Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is an exciting adventure movie that brings the famous video game character, Lara Croft, to the big screen. Released in 2001, the film follows Lara, a brave and skilled adventurer, as she tries to find a powerful ancient artifact before it gets into the wrong hands. With lots of action, daring stunts, the movie takes you on an unforgettable journey across the world. Tomb Raider became a hit, leading to more films and making Lara Croft an even bigger icon.
Here’s to know everything about the legendary character Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. Keep reading below to explore her journey, character development, and why she continues to capture the hearts of fans around the world.
Who Is Lara Croft?
Lara Croft first appeared in the video game Tomb Raider in 1996. She is an aristocratic archaeologist, like Indiana Jones, who travels the world to explore lost cities and ancient temples while avoiding dangerous traps and enemies. In 2001, she made her first appearance on the big screen in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, played by Angelina Jolie. Although the movie wasn’t well-received by critics, it was a success, and Jolie returned for a sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, in 2003. However, the sequel didn’t do as well, and Jolie decided not to make a third movie.
Advertisement The role was later taken by Alicia Vikander in 2018‘s Tomb Raider. This version showed a younger, less-experienced Lara Croft searching for her missing father. The film did well at the global box office, but MGM couldn’t make a sequel because their rights to the property expired. More recently, Lara Croft appeared in a Netflix animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, where she is voiced by Hayley Atwell.
Why is Lara Croft so Famous?
Lara Croft is famous because she was one of the first strong female characters in video games. When Tomb Raider came out in 1996, she was different from other characters. She was smart, brave, and independent, which made her stand out. People loved her adventures and her skills. Over the years, Lara has become even more popular, not just in games but also in movies. Her look, with her braid and pistols, has become a symbol of courage and adventure.
Who was Lara Croft based off of?
Lara Croft was partly based on several influences, with one of the key inspirations being Swedish pop artist Neneh Cherry. Cherry’s strong, confident persona helped shape the idea of a bold and independent female character. Lara Croft’s adventurous spirit and physicality were also inspired by action heroes like Indiana Jones, who was known for his daring exploits.
How Hayley Atwell’s Lara Croft Will Stand Out From Jolie and Vikander’s Versions
Tomb Raider has been a multimedia franchise since Angelina Jolie first played Lara Croft in 2001. The Legend of Lara Croft will be the first to combine the video games with a serial adaptation. It is set in the same world as Shadow of the Tomb Raider and takes place right after the events of that game. The previous movies were separate from the games Jolie’s version was based on the Tomb Raider comics, and Vikander’s was an adaptation of the 2013 Tomb Raider game.
Even though Lara has a new voice, she’s still the same character, which makes Hayley Atwell’s version unique. The Legend of Lara Croft also brings back important characters from the games, like Jonah Maiava, played by Earl Baylon. While the previous films included video game characters, they were mostly new to the movies with no established backstory. Atwell’s version of Lara, however, is more connected to the games, even though she replaces Camilla Luddington.
What makes Atwell’s Lara Croft different from the other versions is that The Legend of Lara Croft already has a lot of backstory. Since it continues the story from the Survivor Trilogy of games, Lara has already gone through major adventures and character growth. She’s dealt with important parts of her childhood and learned how to survive in tough situations. The show won’t need to spend time explaining who Lara is or where she came from.
Who is the Greatest Video Game Character of all Time?
Some of the greatest video game characters of all time include:
- Lara Croft: The adventurer from Tomb Raider was voted the most iconic video game character in a BAFTA poll. She is often seen as a symbol of girl power and female empowerment because she’s a strong female lead.
- Kratos: The son of Zeus from God of War has been through many struggles, including losing his family and fighting gods. In the reboot, he becomes a more relatable family man.
- Sylvanas: The leader of the Forsaken faction in World of Warcraft, driven by power and revenge.
- Wario: Some say Wario is cooler, richer, and stronger than Mario.
- Samus Aran: Considered one of the most influential video game heroes, Samus is known for her strength and courage.
Other great video game characters include:
- Solid Snake
- The Goat from Goat Simulator
- The Ox from Oregon Trail
- Mike Tyson
- Bella Goth from The Sims
- Goombas from Super Mario World
Sophie Turner in Talks to Play Lara Croft in New Tomb Raider Series
Sophie Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, is in talks to play Lara Croft in a new Tomb Raider series. The series is being rebooted by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Turner was competing for the role against Lucy Boynton. Tomb Raider has been adapted into movies before, with Angelina Jolie playing Lara Croft in two films, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and The Cradle of Life (2003), and Alicia Vikander starring in the 2018 reboot.
The first Tomb Raider game was released in 1996, introducing Lara Croft as a British archaeologist exploring ancient tombs and ruins. The new Tomb Raider series is the first project from Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s deal with Amazon Prime Video. Waller-Bridge, who created and starred in Fleabag, will write and produce the show. Turner, besides Game of Thrones, has also played Jean Grey in X-Men movies and appeared in Joan, The Staircase, and Do Revenge.
The Iconic Actresses Who Brought Lara Croft to Life
Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft
Alicia Vikander took on the role of Lara Croft in the 2018 film Tomb Raider. This version focused on a younger, less-experienced Lara embarking on a dangerous quest to find her missing father. Vikander’s portrayal brought a grounded and emotional depth to the character, aligning with the tone of the 2013 video game reboot. The movie performed well globally, but plans for a sequel fell through after MGM lost the rights to the franchise.
Hayley Atwell as Lara Croft
Hayley Atwell voices Lara Croft in the Netflix animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. This series connects directly to the events of the Survivor Trilogy video games, continuing Lara’s story after Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Atwell’s version is unique as it retains much of the game’s established backstory, skipping over Lara’s origins and focusing on her developed skills and personality.
Sophie Turner in Talks to Play Lara Croft
Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, is in talks to play Lara Croft in a new Tomb Raider series. This reboot is part of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s collaboration with Amazon Prime Video. Waller-Bridge, who created and starred in Fleabag, will write and produce the series. Turner was reportedly competing with Lucy Boynton for the role. If finalized, this series will mark another exciting chapter in Lara Croft’s journey.
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Lara Croft in Tomb Raider is more than just a video game character—she’s a legend. From her start as a strong female hero, she has grown into an icon across games, movies, and TV shows. Lara’s bravery, intelligence, and determination inspire players of all ages. She continues to break barriers and challenge expectations in the gaming world. Whether she’s exploring dangerous tombs, solving puzzles, or facing tough challenges, Lara Croft is a symbol of strength and empowerment that will always have a special place in gaming and pop culture.