Tom Cruise stayed so deep in character as Digger Rockwell that his co-star sometimes forgot who he was working with. Cruise plays Digger, a wealthy oil tycoon at the center of the dark comedy film.

Riz Ahmed plays scientist Ganesh and has not revealed much about his character’s story. He has also kept details about how Ganesh meets Digger under wraps.

Speaking to Empire, Ahmed recalled what it was like working with Cruise during filming. He said that the 64-year-old’s commitment made Digger feel like a separate presence on set. “I kind of forgot about Tom. Because Tom was Digger, and he became Digger, and he stayed in Digger.”

Ahmed also explained why such a transformation can happen between an actor and a role. The 43-year-old added, “Whatever people say about method acting, whether you try or not, lines blur between yourself and a character. They have to. That’s the process, right?”

The cast eventually joked about Cruise’s disappearance into the role. At the wrap dinner, Ahmed told him, “It’s really good to meet you, but I wish my pal Digger was here.”

How has Tom Cruise described his role in Digger?

The Mission: Impossible star has described the role as “a leap into the unknown.” Cruise said the role required him to draw on everything he had learned over more than four decades in Hollywood.

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu took a different approach to help Cruise find the character. He read the screenplay aloud so the actor could hear its rhythm and absorb the story differently. Cruise also developed the character through changes to his voice, appearance, clothing, and movements. These details helped him create the oil tycoon’s identity.

The film’s plot centers on Digger after his actions trigger an ecological disaster. He is forced to deal with the consequences and help make things right.

It also stars Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman. Digger is scheduled to hit theaters on October 2, 2026.