It looks like Amazon Studios has massive plans for the “Tomb Raider” franchise, with both a feature film and television show in the works. First up, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Emmy Award-winning talent Phoebe Waller-Bridge is working on a new live-action television series based on the franchise. On top of that, Amazon also wants to make a new feature film for “Tomb Raider” that would connect to the new TV show, also per THR.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge Spearheads Reboot Of ‘Tomb Raider’ With New TV Show
Waller-Bridge’s new TV show is reportedly in the early development stages, and it’s part of her recently renewed overall detail with Amazon. Currently, she’s attached to write and executive produce the show. While Waller-Bridge is also an experienced actress, it’s said she is not in line to star in the TV adaptation of the longtime popular video game franchise as the iconic Lara Croft.
However, Waller-Bridge is set to go on adventuring with Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in this year’s upcoming sequel, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” due out later in July. Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie previously starred in two live-action “Tomb Raider” films released in 2001 and 2003. Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander later starred in a 2018 reboot. She’s been voiced in the recent games published by Square Enix by Camilla Luddington.
MEGAOther voices for the character have been Keeley Hawes, Minnie Driver, and Hayley Atwell. Atwell’s version is going to be an animated series on Netflix set in the same universe as the Square Enix games that starred Luddington.
Waller-Bridge is collaborating on the TV project with former Amazon Head of Comedy and Drama Ryan Andolina and former Head of Overall Deals Amanda Greenblatt. Andolina and Greenblatt recently launched their own production company that has a deal with Amazon. Dmitri M. Johnson is also attached as an executive producer under his dj2 banner.
MEGAIn addition to writing, Waller-Bridge will exec produce the Amazon take alongside former head of comedy and drama Ryan Andolina and former head of overall deals Amanda Greenblatt. Andolina and Greenblatt launched their own production company and have a deal with Amazon. Dmitri M. Johnson will also exec produce via his dj2 company.
Waller-Bridge joins the series after her success working on such shows as “Killing Eve” and “Fleabag.” Her work on “Fleabag” earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards, including wins for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
Amazon Gearing Up ‘Marvel-Like’ Movie Franchise For Lara Croft
The other major piece of news that emerged this week regarding the “Tomb Raider” franchise was that Amazon is also developing a “Marvel-Like” movie franchise for the game series. According to THR’s report, the goal is to have the TV show Waller-Bridge is writing and producing to connect to a movie, a future video game, and possibly more.
Amazon reportedly signed a massive rights deal with Johnson’s dj2 Entertainment that includes a feature film, the aforementioned TV series project, and at least one game. So, it looks like this would be yet another reboot after the Square Enix trilogy that started in 2013 with “Tomb Raider.” It was followed by “Rise of the Tomb Raider” in 2015 and then “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” in 2018.
Amazon and dj2 want to build a connected “Tomb Raider” Universe across multiple forms of media, similar to what Marvel Studios has done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), or Lucasfilm with “Star Wars.” The deal is said to be one of the largest commitments at Amazon after the streamer’s deal to produce a series for “The Lord of the Rings.” Amazon spent a reported $250 million to acquire the media rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s book series.
dj2 Entertainment also put together a deal for the animated series starring Atwell at Netflix. The show currently has a two-season order. Crystal Dynamics regained control of the rights of the Tomb Raider games after Embracer Group completed an acquisition of Square Enix’s assets.
MEGAThe “Tomb Raider” game series has done relatively well over the years, but media adaptations have achieved more mixed results. The first film starring Jolie was relatively successful, grossing $131 million domestically and $274 million worldwide off a $115 million budget. Its 2003 sequel, “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life” did not perform as well, only making $160 million worldwide, and only $65 million from domestic receipts.
A reboot had been kicked around Hollywood for many years and finally made it to the screen in 2018, starring Vikander. The film was not especially well-liked by critics, only scoring 53% on Rotten Tomatoes. It only managed $58 million domestically and $274 million worldwide. A sequel with Vikander was talked about but never materialized.
