For generations, video game movies have been the topic of hot debate across the four corners of the Internet, with many believing that the game-to-movie process is essentially cursed – and with a track record that includes Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, Assassin’s Creed and the live-action Super Mario Bros. movie, you can hardly blame them.
But those failures have in no way quelled Hollywood’s enthusiasm, with Roar Uthaug’s upcoming Tomb Raider reboot being the next one to tumble off the production line. It’s currently slated for release in early 2018, and will introduce moviegoers to a brand new version of Lara Croft in Alicia Vikander. The Swedish actress is arguably one of the most sought-after stars in all of Hollywood, particularly after her Oscar win for The Danish Girl, so it’s small wonder why fans are haboring a sense of cautious optimism in anticipation of Tomb Raider.
Can it go on to become the first truly compelling video game movie? It’s far too soon to tell, but if nothing else, Warner Bros. and Roar Uthaug’s vision for the legendary archaeologist is a far cry from the one seen in the two Angelina Jolie movies. Chatting to GQ, the Norweigan filmmaker explained how his particular Tomb Raider differs from those that came before.
It’s a story that not only highlights her incredible physical accomplishments but delves deeper into her humanity. I’ve seen the films–they were a lot of fun and Angelina Jolie was a terrific Lara Croft. We are [making] a very different film, an origin story and I think fans will love Alicia in the role.
Currently lensing in South Africa – production is expected to shift gears for London very soon – Tomb Raider is on course for a theatrical release on March 16th, 2018. For more, you can consult the plot summary below.
“Seven years after the disappearance of her father, 21-year-old Lara has refused to take the reins of his global business empire, instead working as a bike courier in London while taking college classes. Eventually, she becomes inspired to investigate her father’s disappearance and travels to his last-known location: a tomb on an island somewhere off the coast of Japan. Suddenly, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Lara, who—against the odds and armed with only her sharp mind, blind faith and inherently stubborn spirit—must learn to push herself beyond her limits as she journeys into the unknown. If she survives this perilous adventure, it could be the making of her, earning her the name tomb raider.”
