Tom Cruise returns to the big screen in a role unlike anything he has played before. This week brings a mix of major theatrical releases and streaming debuts, with a satirical comedy, a psychological thriller, and a classic novel adaptation leading the lineup. Digger and Verity open in cinemas worldwide on October 2, 2026, while the seven-episode limited series East of Eden begins streaming on Netflix on October 1, 2026.
Tom Cruise Plays an Oil Baron in Digger
Digger stars Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell, a wealthy and ageing oil baron whose drilling operation triggers a global catastrophe. He then launches a desperate mission to convince the world he is the only person who can stop the disaster he created.
The film is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for Birdman and The Revenant. The script was written by Iñárritu along with Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone, and Sabina Berman. It is described as a comedy of catastrophic proportions, blending dark satire with global chaos.
Iñárritu explained the film’s central idea in simple terms: the disaster is not a comet or an alien invasion, but human beings themselves.
The cast includes Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy, Sophie Wilde, Burn Gorman, and Robert John Burke. John Goodman plays the President of the United States.
The film was shot in VistaVision by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. It releases in theaters and IMAX across North America on October 2, 2026, with the international rollout starting September 30, 2026. In India, it opens on October 2, 2026, in cinemas and IMAX. No streaming release date has been announced. Warner Bros. has not confirmed when the film will arrive on HBO Max, but the studio’s past releases have followed a theatrical window before moving to streaming.
Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson Lead Verity
Verity is a psychological thriller based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. The film stars Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford, a famous author who is unable to speak or move after a car accident, and Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to complete Verity’s book series.
Josh Hartnett plays Jeremy Crawford, Verity’s husband. Lowen moves into the Crawford estate to work on the manuscripts and soon discovers a hidden autobiography that reveals disturbing secrets about the family’s past, including the death of their children.
The film is directed by Michael Showalter and written by Nick Antosca. It is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing International.
The supporting cast includes Ismael Cruz Cordova and Brady Wagner.
Verity opens exclusively in theaters on October 2, 2026, in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other global markets. It will not be available on streaming at the same time as its theatrical release. As an Amazon MGM Studios film, it is expected to arrive on Prime Video after its theatrical run. No streaming date has been confirmed yet. Viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia can book tickets at major cinema chains. Indian audiences can watch it in cinemas from October 2, 2026.
East of Eden Arrives on Netflix
East of Eden is a seven-episode limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel. All seven episodes will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting October 1, 2026.
The series is adapted by Zoe Kazan, who serves as co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Garth Davis directed the first four episodes, and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre directed the remaining three.
Florence Pugh stars as Cathy Ames, a fiercely independent woman whose choices shape the lives of two generations of the Trask family. Christopher Abbott plays Adam Trask, and Mike Faist plays Charles Trask. The cast also includes Joseph Zada as Caleb “Cal” Trask, Joe Anders as Aron Trask, Hoon Lee as Lee, Tracy Letts as Cyrus Trask, Martha Plimpton as Faye, and Ciarán Hinds as Samuel Hamilton.
The story is set in the Salinas Valley, California, in the early 1900s. It follows the Trask and Hamilton families across decades, from the American Civil War to World War I. The plot draws inspiration from the biblical story of Cain and Abel, focusing on themes of family legacy, free will, and the struggle between good and evil.
Production took place in New Zealand from October 2024 to March 2025. The series is produced by Anonymous Content and Fifth Season, with music by Laura Karpman.
East of Eden streams globally on Netflix on October 1, 2026, in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and all other Netflix territories.
Other Releases to Watch
Crazy Rich, Incredibly Broke is a Saudi comedy film arriving on Netflix on October 1, 2026. The story follows the wealthy AlThahabi family, who discover they are not as rich as they believed and must pretend to maintain their lifestyle. The film stars Rashed Al Shamrani, Ghada AlMulla, Ida AlKusay, Ziyad Alamri, Adwa Bader, Fahad Albutairi, and Fayez Bin Jurays. It is directed by Ahmed El Gendy and runs for 1 hour 37 minutes.
Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend is an action film that was released in North America on July 14, 2026. It follows Ip Man as he tries to open his own martial arts club while a greedy Western boxing gym attempts to destroy the local martial community. The film is directed by Liming Li and runs for 1 hour 38 minutes. It is available on digital platforms and select theaters. Viewers in the USA can find it on major digital rental services.
Also Read: Korean Actor Jang Dong Joo Eyes Hollywood Debut After Debt-Forced Retirement
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on Hollywood releases, streaming dates, and cast details.
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