It's just been confirmed that Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Tomb Raider TV series is officially moving forward at Amazon's Prime Video. The project has been handed a series order, with Head of Amazon & MGM Studios Jen Salke breaking the news at the company's Upfront event in New York.
After describing it as an "epic" and "globe-trotting" series, she told attendees, "Phoebe has a lifelong love affair with Lara Croft and as soon and very soon we’ll start the worldwide search for who will play this iconic role and I just can’t wait."
So, no, contrary to prior speculation, Waller-Bridge will not play Lara Croft. Despite her action-packed role in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, she was never expected to star.
"If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode," Waller-Bridge said in a press release. "Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats 'n all."
Crystal Dynamics' Scot Amos adds, "Amazon MGM Studios and Amazon Games are incredible collaborators with a massive reach across the globe enabling us to expand our Tomb Raider franchise with multiple new adventures and a shared passion for creating impactful, entertaining, emotional experiences for players and viewers throughout every facet of this universe."
"These timeless stories span all media platforms to meet audiences where they want to engage with ‘Tomb Raider;’ it’s a critical step towards our future with fans everywhere."
As noted, Lara Croft has not been cast; Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander previously played the character in theaters. Waller-Bridge's writing credits include the critically acclaimed Fleabag and Killing Eve. She also contributed to No Time to Die's script.
Based on the hit video game series, Lara Croft last appeared in live-action with a 2018 reboot which earned only $275 million at the worldwide box office. However, it was met with so-so reviews. The two movies starring Angelina Jolie, on the other hand, while similarly underwhelming, made a combined total of $432 million.
In the games, Camilla Luddington, Keeley Hawes, and Minnie Driver have all lent their voices to the iconic character, as did Hayley Atwell in an anime series on Netflix.
Are you looking forward to a new take on Tomb Raider?