After some set pics made their way online not too long ago, we now have our very first look at Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider adaptation. Based on the popular video game series of the same name, the film also stars Dominic West and Walton Goggins, and has Roar Uthaug behind the camera.
The movie will apparently mine inspiration from Crystal Dynamics’ series reboot, which drew much praise back when it released in 2013. While exact plot details remain under wraps for now, Goggins (who’s on board to play the villain) recently teased that it’ll be a bit like Raiders of the Lost Ark – a comparison which makes sense. Until we learn a little bit more about the film though, we’ll remain skeptical of it.
Vikander is a tremendous talent, to be sure, and Tomb Raider is a great property for adaptation, one that’s well suited to the big screen. That being said, we all know how many times fans have been burned by adaptations of their favorite video games. Just recently, Assassin’s Creed and Warcraft both promised to break the curse and unfortunately, neither movie was particularly enjoyable. Will this reboot be the one to finally turn things around? We certainly hope so.
Speaking to Vanity Fair about her role, Vikander had the following to say:
“When I was asked to take on this role I got really excited—Lara Croft is a truly iconic character,“ Vikander told Vanity Fair via e-mail. “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.”
Producer Graham King also chimed in, adding the following:
“Alicia Vikander brings tremendous depth and vulnerability to this character, which is every bit as important as Lara Croft’s fierce strength, determination, and physicality. Our film takes Lara from her early origins, to the physical and emotional challenges through which she ultimately becomes the Tomb Raider. It’s a complex character, requiring a range of elements and Alicia brings all of that together brilliantly in her portrayal.”
Tomb Raider will be with us on March 16th, 2018 and is one of many video game adaptations currently in the mix, after Ubisoft recently appointed Gold helmer Stephen Gaghan to craft The Division.