Warner Bros. is facing a potentially massive box-office loss from Tom Cruise’s “Digger,” with weakening opening projections and a sharply divided critical response putting the expensive original film under increasing pressure.

“Digger,” directed by four-time Oscar winner Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Cruise, is currently projected to open below the $15 million domestic debut that had been expected just days ago.

The film carries a production budget of roughly $125 million before marketing and distribution expenses, making a weak theatrical opening particularly concerning for Warner Bros. Current projections have led some industry observers to estimate that the studio could ultimately lose around $100 million on the movie. That figure remains a projection rather than a finalized financial result.

The movie is scheduled to open in theaters and IMAX in North America on October 2, with international releases beginning September 30. Warner Bros. describes it as an original film built around Cruise in the title role.

Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon who sets out to convince the world that he can become humanity’s savior after a disaster linked to his actions. The film combines black comedy, environmental themes, and large-scale spectacle rather than relying on an established franchise.

That decision has made the movie a significant theatrical gamble. Unlike Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” films or other major franchise releases, “Digger” does not have an existing audience built around a familiar character or cinematic universe.

The film’s critical reception has also become a major concern. Rotten Tomatoes was sitting in the low-50% range Tuesday as additional reviews were posted, while top critics were considerably less enthusiastic.

Several reviews have criticized the film’s satire and storytelling, although the response has not been uniformly negative. The Associated Press described it as an ambitious and visually striking production, while noting that its humor may not connect with every viewer.

The Guardian was substantially harsher, calling the movie disappointing while acknowledging Cruise’s energetic performance and the film’s striking visual work.

The mixed reception matters because “Digger” is attempting to draw audiences primarily on the strength of its star, director, and original premise. A weak opening combined with poor word of mouth could make it increasingly difficult for the movie to recover its substantial production and marketing costs.

Cruise himself remains one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, with a long record of major theatrical successes. “Digger,” however, represents a major departure from the action-driven material that has recently defined his box-office career.

For Warner Bros., the immediate focus will be whether audiences respond differently from critics when the movie reaches theaters this week. Until its domestic and international theatrical runs are complete, the projected $100 million loss remains an estimate rather than a final result.