Tom Cruise, a name synonymous with blockbuster success and high-octane action, is currently navigating a bumpy return to non-franchise filmmaking. His latest project, 'Digger', a satirical black comedy directed by Oscar-winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, has opened to dismal numbers, earning just $20 million worldwide in its debut weekend. The film, Iñárritu's first English-language feature since 2015's 'The Revenant', has not only faced scathing reviews but is also projected to incur a hefty $250 million loss for Warner Bros., compounding a challenging year for the studio, as reported by Collider.
This theatrical misstep, however, stands in stark contrast to Cruise's undeniable popularity in the streaming realm. Despite the 'Digger' debacle, his 2016 action sequel, 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back', has surged back into prominence, currently ranking as the sixth most-watched movie on Prime Video in the U.S. The film, a follow-up to Cruise's initial portrayal of Lee Child's iconic character, had a modest box office run upon its release, generating $160 million worldwide against a reported $60 million budget. It also faced a degree of backlash from devoted fans of the source material who preferred a different interpretation of the character.
The resurgence of 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back' on streaming platforms underscores the longevity of Cruise's appeal, particularly in the action genre, even for films that didn't achieve critical darling status or massive box office success initially. This phenomenon is further amplified by the overall popularity of the 'Reacher' brand on Prime Video, propelled by Alan Ritchson's highly successful television series adaptation. Ritchson's portrayal of the titular ass-kicker has garnered significant viewership, with its recent fourth season culminating in an explosive finale, followed by the debut of a spin-off featuring fan-favorite Maria Sten as Neagley. Both the 'Reacher' series and the 'Neagley' spin-off are currently among the most-watched titles on the platform.
While 'Digger' struggles to find its footing and faces an uphill battle in theaters, the strong performance of 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back' on Prime Video serves as a clear indicator that Tom Cruise's star power remains potent, particularly when his work is accessible to a broad streaming audience. It suggests that even when a film falls short of expectations in cinemas, the enduring appeal of a star like Cruise, combined with the convenience of streaming, can grant older titles a surprising second life.