Hollywood has never quite managed to turn video game movies into hits. While the Resident Evil franchise has done well thanks to its small budget and international acclaim, many others fail at the box office (and even Resident Evil has been met with nearly universal derision). In the recent past, however, Angelina Jolie managed to find the right mix with the success of her first turn as Lara Croft. While the follow-up wasn't as big of a hit, anticipation has been high for the upcoming film reboot of Tomb Raider.
With Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) in the lead role, fans have been eager to see a character-rich and action-packed portrayal of the popular hero. Lara's recent video game reboot was met with acclaim, so hope has been high the new film will match its tone. With Tomb Raider having begun production earlier this year, we've already been teased with set photos offering our first glimpses of the film. Earlier today, however, we finally got our first official photos, showing off Vikander as the new Lara Croft.
Now, Vanity Fair have a plot synopsis revealing the new origin for Croft and how we'll see the character evolve over the course of the movie:
"Seven years after the disappearance of her father, 21-year-old Lara has refused to take the reins of his global business empire, instead working as a bike courier in London while taking college classes. Eventually she becomes inspired to investigate her father’s disappearance and travels to his last-known location: a tomb on an island somewhere off the coast of Japan. Suddenly, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Lara, who—against the odds and armed with only her sharp mind, blind faith and inherently stubborn spirit—must learn to push herself beyond her limits as she journeys into the unknown. If she survives this perilous adventure, it could be the making of her, earning her the name tomb raider.”
While the Jolie film dropped us right into Croft's life, it sounds like the new Tomb Raider will show us how the daughter of an entrepreneur became both an adventurer and fighter. As such, it will help explore how the young Croft struggles with her new life and earns her status. Warner Bros. and MGM, the studios behind the film, are also likely hoping this helps kick off a new franchise for them. For Vikander's part, she's just happy to be able to play not only an iconic and powerful character, but one that can serve as an inspiration for other women:
“When I was asked to take on this role I got really excited—Lara Croft is a truly iconic character. I think people can identify with her for lots of different reasons, but for me I very much see her as a model for many young women. She’s trying to carve out her place in the world and connect her future with her past. She also has a fantastic mix of traits—tough, smart, vulnerable, plus she’s kick ass! She is also uniquely different to other characters I have taken on previously. It's a lot of fun trying to get into Lara’s head and the challenge of getting to grips with such a physical role is an element of this project that I find an absolute thrill.”
We recently heard similar statements from Brie Larson about her role as Captain Marvel, and there's no denying that Hollywood could use more women-led action films. Movies like The Hunger Games and Lucy have proven just how popular those films can be, and there's clearly an audience hungry to see heroes that more closely resemble them.
With the film now well underway, we're likely to learn a lot more about the plot and cast. We already know Dominic West will play Croft's aforementioned father, while Walter Goggins will serve as the film's villain. Into the Badlands' Daniel Wu will also be joining the cast, as he continues his own rise in popularity. With the film just a year from premiering, we'll know more about Tomb Raider soon enough, so stay tuned.
Source: Vanity Fair
