There are three theatrical films starring Lara Croft, the iconic adventuress and archaeologist: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), and Tomb Raider (2018). Despite rumors and fan speculation, these remain the only officially released live-action features.
A History of Croft on the Big Screen
Lara Croft, a creation of Core Design and Eidos Interactive, first burst onto the video game scene in 1996. Her quick rise to fame transformed her into a cultural icon, making her an obvious candidate for cinematic adaptation. The process, however, wasn’t always smooth, and understanding the trajectory of the Tomb Raider films helps appreciate the current state of the franchise.
From Pixels to Premiere: The First Adaptation
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) marked Angelina Jolie’s entrance as the titular character. The film, directed by Simon West, focused on Croft’s quest to retrieve a powerful artifact before it fell into the wrong hands. While the movie received mixed reviews, it was a box office success, solidifying Jolie’s portrayal as the definitive Lara Croft for a generation. The film captured the adventure and puzzle-solving essence of the games, albeit with a somewhat simplified narrative.
Exploring Deeper: The Second Attempt
Following the success of the first film, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) was released. This time, Jan de Bont took the helm as director, guiding Jolie’s Croft through a mission involving Pandora’s Box and a deadly bioweapon. While aiming for a more mature and complex storyline, the film unfortunately underperformed at the box office and received largely negative reviews, effectively halting the original film series.
A Rebooted Raider: A Fresh Perspective
After a significant hiatus, the Tomb Raider franchise was resurrected in 2018 with a reboot starring Alicia Vikander as a younger, more grounded Lara Croft. Simply titled Tomb Raider, the film, directed by Roar Uthaug, aimed to provide an origin story, depicting Croft’s initial foray into tomb raiding and her search for her missing father. This adaptation drew inspiration from the 2013 Tomb Raider video game reboot, offering a grittier and more realistic portrayal of the character. While critically mixed, the film proved moderately successful, laying the groundwork for a planned sequel that, unfortunately, was ultimately shelved.
The Future of Lara Croft on Film
The cancellation of the planned sequel to the 2018 film leaves the future of Lara Croft on the big screen uncertain. Various projects have been proposed and discussed, but as of today, none have materialized into a confirmed production. The enduring popularity of the character suggests that another cinematic adaptation is inevitable, but the specifics remain unknown. Many fans are eager to see a new interpretation, potentially drawing inspiration from different eras of the Tomb Raider games.
FAQs: Untangling the Mysteries of Lara Croft’s Filmography
These frequently asked questions address common queries and misconceptions regarding the Tomb Raider film adaptations.
H3: 1. Are there any animated Lara Croft movies?
While there aren’t any full-length animated theatrical films starring Lara Croft, there have been animated shorts and promotional materials released alongside the games, showcasing her adventures. These, however, don’t qualify as feature-length film adaptations.
H3: 2. Why was the sequel to the 2018 Tomb Raider cancelled?
The sequel to the 2018 Tomb Raider, initially set to star Alicia Vikander again, faced numerous delays and ultimately was cancelled due to a combination of factors, including creative differences, studio acquisitions (MGM being acquired by Amazon), and the challenges of navigating production during the COVID-19 pandemic.
H3: 3. Who has played Lara Croft on screen besides Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander?
Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander are the only two actresses to portray Lara Croft in live-action theatrical films. Many voice actresses have portrayed the character in video games and animated projects.
H3: 4. Which Tomb Raider movie is considered the best?
Opinions vary, but the 2018 Tomb Raider is often considered the best by contemporary audiences due to its grounded portrayal of Lara Croft and its closer adherence to the narrative of the 2013 video game reboot. However, many fans still hold a nostalgic fondness for Angelina Jolie’s portrayal in the 2001 film.
H3: 5. Are the Tomb Raider movies based on specific video games?
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) drew inspiration from various elements of the early Tomb Raider games, while Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) had a looser connection to the game series. The 2018 Tomb Raider was explicitly based on the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot game.
H3: 6. Will Alicia Vikander play Lara Croft again?
As the planned sequel was cancelled, Alicia Vikander is not currently slated to reprise her role as Lara Croft. The future of the franchise remains open to new casting possibilities.
H3: 7. Where can I watch the Tomb Raider movies?
The Tomb Raider movies are typically available on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix (availability may vary by region), and for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies. Check your local listings for current availability.
H3: 8. What made Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft so iconic?
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal captured the strength, athleticism, and intelligence that defined Lara Croft. Her physical resemblance to the character and her commitment to the role resonated with fans, solidifying her as the definitive Lara Croft for many years.
H3: 9. Were the Tomb Raider movies box office successes?
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) was a significant box office success. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) underperformed. The 2018 Tomb Raider was a moderate success, earning enough to warrant a sequel before its eventual cancellation.
H3: 10. What are some recurring themes in the Tomb Raider movies?
Recurring themes in the Tomb Raider movies include: the search for ancient artifacts, battling powerful and secretive organizations, exploring dangerous and exotic locations, and Lara Croft’s personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
H3: 11. Are there any plans for a Tomb Raider TV series?
Yes, there is! Amazon is reportedly developing a Tomb Raider television series as part of a broader deal that also encompasses a new video game and film. Details are still scarce, but the series is expected to introduce a new take on the iconic character.
H3: 12. What should a new Tomb Raider movie do to succeed?
A successful new Tomb Raider movie should prioritize: a compelling and well-developed storyline that respects the lore of the video games, a strong and charismatic actress in the role of Lara Croft, stunning visuals and action sequences, and a balance between adventure, puzzle-solving, and character development. Authenticity to the source material and catering to both longtime fans and newcomers are crucial.