Was Fahadh Faasil offered role in Tom Cruise's Digger? Viral fan theory explained
Fahadh Faasil's account of stepping away from an Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film has resurfaced after the Digger trailer launch. The timing has triggered speculation that he may have passed on the role now played by Riz Ahmed, though there is no confirmation.
Fahadh Faasil's revelation about turning down an Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film in 2025 has resurfaced after the trailer of Tom Cruise's Digger was released on Monday. Fans are now speculating that the Malayalam star may have passed on a role from the very project that is making headlines worldwide.
While Fahadh never revealed which Inarritu's film he had auditioned for, the timing of trailer release has fuelled online theories that the role eventually went to Riz Ahmed in Digger. Neither the actor nor the makers have confirmed the speculation.
With Riz Ahmed playing a prominent role in Digger, fans have speculated that Fahadh may have originally auditioned for the same character before deciding to step away. The theory gained momentum after Riz's character poster and his scenes in the trailer were unveiled, with many pointing out similarities between his look and Fahadh's appearance.
Here are some reactions:
Why did Fahadh Faasil turn down Inarritu's film?
Speaking to Cue Studio ahead of the release of Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (OKCK) in 2025, Fahadh opened up about his interaction with the Oscar-winning filmmaker.
When asked about working across industries and the opportunity to work with Inarritu, the actor quipped, "But he didn't like me, and I got rejected after the auditions."
He, however, clarified that it wasn't a straightforward rejection.
"It wasn't exactly that he rejected me, but he was concerned about my accent. I was asked to stay in America for three to four months to work on it, and no payment was involved. That is why I stepped away from it, because the commercial side of it did not make sense to me. I did not feel enough fire to put in that much effort just to work on my accent," Fahadh said.
The actor also revealed that he had a video call with Inarritu and felt the filmmaker may have quickly realised he wasn't the right fit for the role. Despite missing out on the opportunity, Fahadh said he has no regrets. "All the magic in my career has happened through Malayalam cinema," he added.
The resurfaced interview has gained fresh attention after the release of the first trailer for Digger, Inarritu's next directorial venture starring Tom Cruise in the lead. The film also features Jesse Plemons, Sandra Huller, Riz Ahmed and John Goodman, and is slated to release in October 2026.
Fahadh Faasil's revelation about turning down an Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film in 2025 has resurfaced after the trailer of Tom Cruise's Digger was released on Monday. Fans are now speculating that the Malayalam star may have passed on a role from the very project that is making headlines worldwide.
While Fahadh never revealed which Inarritu's film he had auditioned for, the timing of trailer release has fuelled online theories that the role eventually went to Riz Ahmed in Digger. Neither the actor nor the makers have confirmed the speculation.
With Riz Ahmed playing a prominent role in Digger, fans have speculated that Fahadh may have originally auditioned for the same character before deciding to step away. The theory gained momentum after Riz's character poster and his scenes in the trailer were unveiled, with many pointing out similarities between his look and Fahadh's appearance.
Here are some reactions:
Why did Fahadh Faasil turn down Inarritu's film?
Speaking to Cue Studio ahead of the release of Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (OKCK) in 2025, Fahadh opened up about his interaction with the Oscar-winning filmmaker.
When asked about working across industries and the opportunity to work with Inarritu, the actor quipped, "But he didn't like me, and I got rejected after the auditions."
He, however, clarified that it wasn't a straightforward rejection.
"It wasn't exactly that he rejected me, but he was concerned about my accent. I was asked to stay in America for three to four months to work on it, and no payment was involved. That is why I stepped away from it, because the commercial side of it did not make sense to me. I did not feel enough fire to put in that much effort just to work on my accent," Fahadh said.
The actor also revealed that he had a video call with Inarritu and felt the filmmaker may have quickly realised he wasn't the right fit for the role. Despite missing out on the opportunity, Fahadh said he has no regrets. "All the magic in my career has happened through Malayalam cinema," he added.
The resurfaced interview has gained fresh attention after the release of the first trailer for Digger, Inarritu's next directorial venture starring Tom Cruise in the lead. The film also features Jesse Plemons, Sandra Huller, Riz Ahmed and John Goodman, and is slated to release in October 2026.
