The first official image of actress Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft has surfaced. In an interview with GQ Magazine, director Roar Uthaug shares some information on the 2018 film’s direction and video game influence, and shares our first official look of the new Lara Croft.
Given the design and the origin story plot, the upcoming film looks to be based on the recent Tomb Raider video game reboots. When asked if it’s based on the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot, Uthaug admits “that game was certainly part of what inspired our film.” He goes on to mention that the film will be more grounded and realistic than other special effects-heavy video game adaptations. Uthaug also teased that there will be elements of the 2015 sequel Rise of the Tomb Raider as well.
Developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix, Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider were both well-received by fans and critics. They were trumpeted as taking an aging and somewhat embarrassing video game icon in Lara Croft and giving her a much-needed makeover, as well as compelling emotional stories written by Rhianna Pratchett.
The 2018 film isn’t the first Tomb Raider adaptation. That honor goes to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), both starring Angelina Jolie. The films were panned by critics, though the first film was financially successful.
Video game film adaptations are almost universally awful, a trend that continues to this day. Hopefully Tomb Raider (2018) can reverse the trend. At least the images look solid, and we can all agree that Roar Uthaug is an incredible name.
The film is currently in the middle of production, and also stars Daniel Wu. It’s set to release almost one year from today, March 16, 2018.
