Phoebe Waller-Bridge took the world by storm with her work in the comedy-drama Fleabag and her subsequent performances in several movies and shows. Although fans love and appreciate the actress-screenwriter for her talent and performances, some of them are not too excited for her next venture as a writer and executive producer for Amazon’s Tomb Raider live-action series adaptation.
Based on the video game series of the same name, Tomb Raider has seen multiple adaptations, starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. In 2023, Amazon Studios announced a fresh project for the franchise, helmed by the Indiana Jones 5 star, and has now greenlit the project for a series.
Amazon Confirms Tomb Raider Live-Action Series With Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Following its initial announcement in 2023, Amazon Studios has officially greenlit a Tomb Raider live-action series for Prime Video. Renowned for her work on acclaimed shows like Fleabag and Killing Eve, Phoebe Waller-Bridge has joined the project as the writer and executive producer.
Sharing her excitement and expressing gratitude for having the opportunity to work on the Tomb Raider adaptation, Waller-Bridge said, as per Deadline,
“If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode. Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.”
The series will be inspired by the popular video game franchise of the same name, following the adventures of archeologist Lara Croft. The studio, however, has not revealed any further details regarding the release date or the cast of the upcoming adaptation.
Previous reports revealed that Amazon is planning to establish a Tomb Raider universe, including films and games. Dmitri Johnson, who had secured the rights to the IP, is reportedly overseeing the development of the franchise. The game developer Crystal Dynamics is producing the series with Amazon.
Fans Raise Concerns With Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Involvement in Tomb Raider
Fans have shared their disappointment with Phoebe Waller-Bridge taking on the role of writer in the upcoming Tomb Raider adaptation. They took to X (Twitter) to share their objection, questioning, “What exactly qualifies her to run a massive show like this.”
One X (Twitter) user argued that since Fleabag, which premiered eight years ago, “she hasn’t produced anything of substance,” as they raised questions regarding her capabilities to spearhead such a monumental project.
Other fans also pointed out how she was set to work with Donald Glover on the Mr. and Mrs. Smith series adaptation under her deal with Amazon. However, she was removed within a few months reportedly due to creative differences.
Fleabag was released 8 years ago, and she hasn't produced anything of substance since. What exactly qualifies her to run a massive show like this, and why does she keep getting treated like some visionary filmmaker with a proven track record? https://t.co/Po5J13HO5n
— The Critical Drinker (@TheCriticalDri2) May 14, 2024
She managed to screw 20 million a year out of Amazon for nothing previously 😂 pic.twitter.com/hDYkmzRGy8
— Disparu (@disparutoo) May 14, 2024
How does she still have a job after Indiana Jones?
— Plastic weeb 🍉 (@Plastic_Weeb) May 14, 2024
She killed Indiana Jones, so I guess this tracks…
— Michael Winter (@Winterborn123) May 14, 2024
She already destroyed Indiana Jones. Why not
— Tyler McFarland (@TylerMcF420) May 14, 2024
Tomb Raider is basically a rip off of Indie, which she just ruined. Makes sense.
— Wirra (@wirraone) May 14, 2024
Previous reports also stated that despite her three-year deal with Amazon, valued at $20 million per year, failing to yield significant results, the studio renewed her contract, and announced her as the writer for the Tomb Raider adaptation.
Many fans highlighted the disappointing reception of her last project Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The fifth installment in Harrison Ford’s hit film series featured Waller-Bridge as the titular character’s goddaughter. Despite Ford’s poignant portrayal, the film struggled to make it big at the box office, and critics deemed it a disappointing conclusion to a long-running action franchise.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is available to stream on Disney+.
