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Digger Projected to Cost Warner Bros. About $250 Million

Skydance’s review of Warner Bros. books found high production and marketing costs paired with a weak opening, prompting insiders to sharply raise loss estimates.

Overview

  • The film opened wide on Oct. 2 and earned about $8 million in North America and roughly $20–21 million worldwide in its opening weekend.
  • Insiders cited by multiple outlets say reported production costs range from $163 million to $173 million and marketing ran near $100 million, all financed by Warner Bros.
  • Skydance executives who took control of Warner Bros.’ accounts this week now estimate the picture could lose roughly $250 million after theatrical and post‑theatrical revenue are factored in.
  • Exhibitors pulled many IMAX screenings after one week and studio figures and critics have publicly debated the film’s split reception, with critics roughly divided and audience scores higher on some platforms.
  • The setback is raising immediate questions about studio risk for high‑budget auteur projects and could change how Warner Bros. and its new owners structure financing and marketing for prestige films.