Macau, China, Oct. 7, 2026 (Lusa) - The new film starring American actor Tom Cruise, «Digger», which had its world premiere on 1 October, has been pulled from cinemas in the Chinese regions of Macau and Hong Kong at the last minute.
«Digger» was due to be screened at Galaxy Macau cinemas, but it never made it to the big screen and all references to the film by director Alejandro González Iñárritu have been removed from the resort's website.
Lusa contacted Galaxy Entertainment, the owner of Galaxy Macau, today to ask about the reasons behind the film's withdrawal, but has not yet received a response.
When contacted by telephone, a Galaxy Macau employee said he did not know why «Digger» had been withdrawn from cinemas, adding only that «some films do not sell well».
«Digger», which premiered on 1 October, China's National Day, includes a scene suggesting a nuclear attack on the country and another in which a character describes the Chinese population as «yellow» and a «cancer».
The approval and classification of films shown to the public fall within the remit of the Cultural Institute (IC). Lusa asked the IC today whether it had ordered the withdrawal of «Digger», but has not yet received a response.
The Warner Bros film was also withdrawn at the last minute from cinemas in the neighbouring region of Hong Kong, a decision which, according to the local press, was due to «sensitive dialogue».
The Hong Kong Film, Press and Articles Administration Office, which initially approved the release of «Digger», did not confirm the film's withdrawal to the Hong Kong Free Press news portal.
The Office merely stated that it «has always processed film censorship applications» in accordance with the law in force and that it «does not comment on individual films or applications».
Warner Bros has decided not to distribute «Digger» in mainland China, which, unlike Macau and Hong Kong, imposes an annual limit of 34 foreign films – a policy which, in practice, means that only major blockbusters are distributed.
«Digger» is a comedy blending fantasy, satire and black humour about the current climate crisis, which has left many critics perplexed despite its star-studded cast, led by Tom Cruise.
The 64-year-old actor plays the lead role of Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon whose negligence causes a global ecological catastrophe, but who is more interested in containing the bad publicity than in mitigating its effects.
«Digger» had a weak opening weekend, grossing just $8 million (€7.1 million) in the US and $12 million (€10.7 million) across 74 markets worldwide.
This figure fell short of expectations for a film with a budget of between $125 million and $180 million (between €111 million and €160 million), according to the trade press.
The disappointing opening for «Digger» came even before Paramount Skydance finalised its acquisition of Warner Bros on Tuesday, in a deal valued at $110 billion (€97.8 billion).
VQ/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
