The popular video game-turned-movie Tomb Raider is getting its own universe as Fleabag alum Phoebe Waller-Bridge is reportedly developing a TV series based on the franchise. The actress-writer has been tapped to pen the script, although she has no plan to star in it.
Tomb Raider films have been around for years, with Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander portraying the ever-adventurous archaeologist Lara Croft. Other actresses who lent their voices to the character in a series of video game and anime titles include Camilla Luddington, Minnie Driver, Keeley Hawes, and Hayley Atwell.
New ‘Tomb Raider’ Series In The Works Under Prime Video
In an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, Waller-Bridge will also produce the series alongside former Head of Overall Deals, Amanda Greenblatt, and former Head of Comedy and Drama, Ryan Andolina. Dmitri M. Johnson will also co-produce the show via dj2 company.
Tomb Raider has spun off multiple adaptations and reboots, and this announcement is a huge turning point for the franchise. While Jolie’s version was well-received by fans and by far, the most iconic portrayal, Vikander’s take was met with criticism and a disappointing reception.
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Prime Video’s news of a possible Tomb Raider series is encouraged by the evident success that streaming platforms are getting from video game adaptations. Not much is known about the plot and cast, but whoever gets hired to play the iconic adventuress will have to embody the outstanding characteristics of Lara Croft.
The last time fans had news about Tomb Raider was when the 2018 game Shadow of the Tomb Raider was released, although the franchise is slowly emerging again to the surface. Amazon also reportedly struck a deal with Crystal Dynamics to develop a new game series.
THR also reported that the new Tomb Raider series will be interconnected with the movie and video game and are set in the same universe.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge Is The Woman Of The Hour
Phoebe Waller-Bridge was previously cast in the TV series version of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith opposite Donald Glover but left after conflicting interests. The breakout star of Fleabag is one of the most sought-after celebrities nowadays, which earned her a three-year deal with Amazon.
Tomb Raider is the latest project in Waller-Bridge’s list, although she is also developing another series called Sign Here, an adaptation of Claudia Lux’s novel. The actress also co-wrote the James Bond movie No Time To Die, and fans will soon see her star alongside Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones 5.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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