John Goodman Blames Negative Buzz for Digger's Box Office Failure
The actor, who played the U.S. president in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's film, said pre-release coverage damaged the movie before it opened.
John Goodman said negative coverage and box office predictions ahead of the release of Digger damaged the film before audiences could see it. The actor made the comments on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, according to Variety.
Goodman, who plays the U.S. president in the film, said he remains proud of Digger and enjoyed making it, describing the production as six months of his life. He added that he still cares what critics and audiences think of his work.
The film, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise as an oil tycoon, cost north of $160 million to make, according to earlier reporting. It earned $15 million in its domestic debut, and one month after release had not crossed $50 million worldwide.
Digger scored 53% on Rotten Tomatoes and needed an estimated $350 million to break even. It is expected to lose Warner Bros. around $250 million in theaters.
Goodman pointed to his work with the Coen Brothers, noting that Barton Fink and The Big Lebowski also flopped initially and that people still ask him about both films.
Support from other actors
The film drew praise from several performers. Neil Young called it the best film he had ever seen, while Mandy Patinkin described it as an instant classic. Anne Hathaway, Jane Fonda and Ben Affleck also praised the movie, and in October 2025 Affleck condemned the public bashing of the film in his own Happy Sad Confused interview.
Quick answers
What did John Goodman say about Digger's failure?
He said negative pre-release coverage and predictions hurt the film before it opened, and that he is still proud of it.
Where did John Goodman make the comments?
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Who directed Digger?
Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Tom Cruise plays an oil tycoon, and John Goodman plays the U.S. president.