MGM’s big screen reboot of video game adaptation, Tomb Raider, has hit the headlines once more with news that Warner Bros. has joined the project. Now that the two studios are combining their efforts – WB will partner and distribute – could we be in for more of Lara Croft’s archaeological adventures sooner than we thought? According to Deadline that’s a strong possibility, as their sources indicate that “the reboot is on a fast track.”
Alongside this major development comes word that Evan Daugherty is now the latest in a long line of writers tasked with penning a script. His experience with big-screen blockbusters includes work on Snow White And The Huntsman, Divergent, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the upcoming G.I. Joe 3. This is the first we’ve heard on the screenplay side of things since Buffy showrunner Marti Noxon began work on a draft in 2013. Prior to her engagement, Iron Man scribes Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby had also submitted their take. At this time, it’s not known if Daugherty will head back square one on a fresh draft or recycle previous ideas cooked up in those earlier scripts.
Still attached to produce is Graham King, who’ll oversee development on the movie. Back in 2011 , he revealed his original intentions for the reboot, stating:
“I’m really excited about it, it’s something that’s much different than I’ve done before,” he said. “It’s a fun reboot, taking Lara Croft back to her roots, when she was growing up, becoming Lara Croft. It was done so successfully with Batman, and ‘Planet of the Apes’ this year… so I think if we can be clever and smart about it, it could be good.”
By the sounds of it, the decision to visit the titular heroine’s roots is still a central part of the story. Deadline went on to reiterate that the film will seek to recast a much younger Croft, as she embarks on her first adventure.
Tomb Raider is still in the early stages of development, but we’ll keep you posted with any new updates as they arise.