Fans of theTomb Raiderseries have had some excellent content to consume over the years, particularly with Square Enix’s more recent “survivor trilogy” representing an exciting new chapter for the beloved protagonist. With the last mainlineTomb Raiderreleasing way back in 2018, many players have been looking forward to the next installment to follow Eidos-Montreal’sShadow of the Tomb Raider, and with the recent news, it seems like they’ll have lots to keep them occupied while they wait. With Amazon’s announcement that a TV series created byFleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge was on the way, in addition to a rumored film to create a Marvel-like tie-in universe, fans can be cautiously optimistic.
PreviousTomb Raideradaptions haven’t quite hit the nail on the head when it comes torepresenting the iconic Lara Croft on screen. Angelina Jolie’s early 2000s efforts contain a certain kind of cheesy charm while Alicia Vikander’s 2018 attempt only manages to capture a small part of the recent games' magic. However, with Amazon’s TV series taking advantage of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s talents, it has the potential to be something special. Many questions still remain though, including who might take on the part of the Tomb Raider herself.
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Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld has proven her acting talents in many features over the years, from comedy to more serious films, meaning she could match whatever tone theTomb Raiderseries decided to take. Thanks to her work as Vi in the critically acclaimedArcane, she’s also already been a part of a successful video game adaptation. But it’s her recent role asKate Bishop in 2021’sHawkeyeshowthat proves she’d be a great Lara with her bow-handling skills and fighting prowess.
Amber Midthunder
Another talented performer with experience in an action role is Amber Midthunder. Thanks toher turn as Naru in 2022’sPrey, Amber has shown that she’s more than capable of handling a challenging combat situation, as well as carrying the continuation of a popular franchise on her shoulders. Having a Native American actor in the role would also be a good step for diversity, but Amber’s acting talents also speak for themselves.
Zendaya
Zendaya’s career has exploded in recent years, thanks tohits likeEuphoria, Marvel’sSpider-Man, andDune. Although she’s undeniably an acting force to be reckoned with, she hasn’t really had a chance to prove herself yet in a proper action role. This doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be a great fit forTomb Raider, and her stunt work in films likeThe Greatest Showmanproves that she could be up for the challenge.
Florence Pugh
Another popular performer, Florence Pugh has demonstrated her impressive range from impetuous Amy inLittle Womentotraumatized Dani in the horror hitMidsommar. She’s also taken the Marvel world by storm with her portrayal of the awkwardly charming but deadly Yelena, bringing her own brand of chaos to various crime-fighting teams. Florence could encapsulate both the action-packed nature of Lara Croft and the emotionally heavy parts the character will undoubtedly explore.
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley may have only recently appeared on people’s radars thanks to her small part inSex Educationand her larger role asKathani “Kate” Sharma inBridgerton, but her career is definitely starting to take off. She’s proved she can handle the responsibility of starring in a massive series on a streaming platform, and her British-Indian heritage could also be an interesting direction for the nextTomb Raider.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy has impressed both audiences and critics alike throughout her career, bursting onto the scene with her impressive role as Thomasin in 2015’sThe Witchand moving into other acclaimed roles. She’s also set to playthe younger version of Charlize Theron’sFuriosain an upcoming film, so Lara Croft is certainly in the actor’s wheelhouse, and thanks to her roles inEmmaandThoroughbreds, it’s clear she can handle Lara’s more aristocratic origins as well.
ATomb Raiderseries is in development at Amazon.
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