It looks like the Tomb Raider franchise is up for grabs, now that MGM has lost the rights to the successful cinematic IP. It's also being reported that Alicia Vikander, who played Lara Croft in the 2018 reboot is no longer attached to play the iconic treasure hunter.
Via The Wrap:
MGM has lost the film rights to “Tomb Raider,” based on the popular video game, sparking a bidding war for the IP, TheWrap has exclusively learned.
MGM had till May of this year to greenlight a “Tomb Raider” sequel, and the window passed. A host of Hollywood movie studios are in the mix and put in bids, according to multiple insiders with knowledge of the project.
Alicia Vikander, who starred as Lara Croft in 2018’s “Tomb Raider” is no longer attached to the project. Insiders add it’s a complete reboot and there are no casting or director commitments. Rights reverted to the game company, then the game company and Graham King’s GK Films made a deal to rep the IP.
The 2018 “Tomb Raider” earned nearly $275 million at the global box office. The film is based on the popular video game series starring the adventuring Lara Croft, and the games were initially adapted into a blockbuster pair of films in 2001 and 2003 that starred Angelina Jolie, which grossed $432 million worldwide.
A sequel to the 2018 “Tomb Raider” film had “Lovecraft Country” showrunner Misha Green attached to write and direct at one point, but that has fallen apart.
Producer Graham King and his GK Films banner acquired the “Tomb Raider” rights in 2011 from Square Enix, and is considering the offers.
Back in May, Embracer acquired “Tomb Raider” game developer Crystal Dynamics and all corresponding IP from Square Enix in a deal worth $300 million. In the company’s Q4 and full year financial report, Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors said he sees “great potential, not only in sequels, but also in remakes, remasters, spinoffs as well as transmedia projects” for “Tomb Raider.”
MGM declined to comment.
I loved when Angelina Jolie played Lara Croft on the big screen, and I didn't mind Alicia as Lara either. Her version was based on the recent incarnation of the games which had more of a grittier tone.
I just hope wherever this franchise ends up that we can finally get a good Tomb Raider movie that lives up to the games, instead of having the potential of being good, but never quite getting to where it needs to go.
I'm also quite curious as to who the new studio will choose to take over the role of Lara Croft
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