The upcoming Tomb Raider television series is stirring excitement among fans of the franchise, particularly with the involvement of Emmy-winning writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who has etched her mark on television with acclaimed shows such as Fleabag and Killing Eve. The series promises to delve into the storied past of Lara Croft, a character that has undergone varied portrayals over the years through both film and gaming mediums. With the audiences’ anticipation building, speculation about who will take on the coveted role has begun.
According to Deadline, there are intriguing names being considered to portray the adventurous archaeologist. Sophie Turner, known for her remarkable performance as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, and Lucy Boynton, acclaimed for her role in Bohemian Rhapsody, have both surfaced on the casting wishlist. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that neither actress has auditioned at this point, illustrating that there is still significant room for surprises in the selection process. Additionally, Emma Corrin from Deadpool and Mackenzie Davis of Station Eleven fame have also been mentioned, albeit under the prospect of not currently testing for the role.
A captivating casting search is underway, marked by secrecy, as Deadline emphasizes that this could potentially become one of the most heated casting competitions of the fall season. Light has also been shed on how the creators are prioritizing the exploration of characteristic depth alongside the physical demands of the role, indicating that the chosen actress will need to embody both strength and complexity.
The portrayal of Lara Croft has a rich cinematic history, with notable performances from Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. Jolie famously donned the character in the earlier 2000s films, creating an iconic representation that resonated with audiences. More recently, Vikander’s interpretation in the 2018 reboot earned approximately $275 million globally, solidifying its status as one of the most successful adaptations of a video game to film. This successful legacy places immense responsibility on the new series to respect the lineage while also injecting fresh life into the character.
Under Amazon’s Vision
The Tomb Raider series is being developed for Prime Video, with powerful support from Amazon. The synergy between the streaming service and Crystal Dynamics, the company behind the upcoming Tomb Raider video game, denotes a strategic alignment designed to elevate both the game and series. Although not directly connected, the collaboration hints at a broader vision for the Tomb Raider franchise, emphasizing continuity and multi-platform storytelling that engages fans across different media.
Waller-Bridge has expressed her enthusiasm about incorporating elements from her extensive background in writing iconic action-adventure characters, citing how Lara Croft draws inspiration from timeless figures like Indiana Jones. This sense of personal investment suggests that the series might not only explore the thrill of adventure but also provide a character-driven narrative, enriching Lara’s persona for a new generation. As she put it, this project feels like a capstone to her creative journey through beloved franchises.
With heightened curiosity surrounding who will be crowned the next Lara Croft, the upcoming Tomb Raider series promises to be not just another adaptation, but rather a profound exploration of a storied character through innovative storytelling in a modern context. Fans remain eager as the selection process unfolds, anticipating the next chapter in the adventures of Lara Croft.