John Goodman Claims Digger Reviews Hurt Box Office Amid Tom Cruise Oscar Buzz John Goodman blames scathing early reviews for Digger's box office failure, while Tom Cruise remains in Oscar contention despite the film's $170 million budget loss and polarizing reception. Actor John Goodman has publicly responded to the harsh criticism surrounding his latest cinematic project, Digger, stating that negative early coverage significantly damaged the film's commercial performance. The politically charged satire, which features a prominent role for Tom Cruise, has experienced a stark divide between audiences and critics since its release last month. Goodman, who plays the US President in the film, admitted to being deeply hurt by the initial wave of negative reactions that preceded the movie's theatrical launch. Box Office Performance and Financial LossesThe film has suffered a devastating financial blow, with production costs estimated at $170 million before marketing expenses, making it one of the most significant box office bombs in recent history. During its opening weekend, Digger generated only $8 million in US theaters, a figure that dropped sharply by 60 percent in its second weekend. This decline brought the domestic total to $14.4 million and the global total to $35.3 million, including $12 million in international sales from 74 countries.Goodman revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with host Josh Horowitz that the pre-release narrative was devastating for ticket sales. He noted that early headlines predicted the film would earn merely five dollars, a statistic that served as a strong deterrent for potential moviegoers. The actor emphasized that these premature judgments effectively killed the film's momentum before it even opened in theaters, depriving it of the chance to find an audience through word-of-mouth.Director Vision and Critical DivideDirected by four-time Oscar winner Alejandro González Iñárritu, known for hits like Birdman and The Revenant, Digger is a satirical black comedy that follows Cruise as a wealthy oil tycoon who causes an environmental disaster and attempts to position himself as the only solution. The film represents a rare awards-focused endeavor for Cruise, who has largely focused on blockbuster franchises over the last three decades. Despite the commercial failure, Iñárritu's vision remains a point of pride for the cast, with Goodman describing the six-month production period as a rewarding experience and a big artistic swing.There is a notable geographical split in critical reception, with European reviewers largely hailing the film as a masterpiece while American media outlets were far more critical. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 53 percent critical score but a significantly higher 77 percent audience score, suggesting that general viewers connected with the film more than professional critics did. Goodman expressed happiness upon seeing a positive review in The New Yorker, viewing it as vindication for the project's artistic merit.Oscar Contention and Industry DefendersDespite the box office failure, Hollywood insiders suggest that Tom Cruise could still secure his first Academy Award nomination for his performance. The awards-tracking website Gold Derby currently places Cruise in fifth place for Best Actor, acknowledging the highly competitive nature of the 2027 category. Potential rivals in the race include Andrew Scott, John Malkovich, Matt Damon, and Ryan Gosling, all of whom are considered strong contenders for nominations.High-profile figures have rallied behind the film, including actors Anne Hathaway, Jane Fonda, and Ben Affleck, as well as director Guillermo del Toro. Comedian Bill Burr has been particularly vocal, defending the movie against what he perceives as critic hypocrisy and misunderstanding. Burr praised the originality of the script and the performances, arguing that critics often dismiss unconventional satire while championing safe, formulaic studio releases.Long-Term Legacy of the FilmGoodman remains confident in the long-term value of Digger, asserting that it will remain relevant and appreciated for a long time. He stands by the creative choices made during the production, acknowledging the risk involved in tackling such a polarizing political satire. The film's trajectory from critical backlash to audience appreciation and potential awards consideration highlights the complex relationship between commercial success and artistic recognition in modern Hollywood.