Is Tomb Raider 2 Still Happening, Or Is Alicia Vikander Finished With Lara Croft?

When MGM’s rights to “Tomb Raider” reverted to game developer Square Enix, it incited a bidding war for the chance the reboot the series anew. In 2023, Amazon eventually emerged victorious, leasing the IP for $600 million. “Tomb Raider,” MGM, and Amazon are all one big happy family, though it took a few years — and a lot of cash — to get everything under one banner. With all the red tape removed, Amazon is reportedly hitting the ground running with their own Lara Croft universe, and they don’t intend to stop with films.

“Fleabag” creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge was tapped to pen a “Tomb Raider” series as a part of her eight-figure overall deal with Amazon. Given her involvement in projects like the Bond film “No Time To Die,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” and her brief stint on Amazon’s “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” reboot, it seems like the actor and screenwriter has a serious taste for treasure hunting. As exciting as it is to see her name attached to the project, don’t expect her to follow in Alicia Vikander’s footsteps. “Waller-Bridge does not plan to star in the TV adaptation of the property,” THR reported in early 2023 — and that might be for the best. At least fans can look forward to a cavalcade of wit with Waller-Bridge involved. No cringe-y, clunky one-liners in this cinematic universe! 

Amazon’s “Tomb Raider” series was “in the development stages” as of January 2023, and it’s just one of a handful of interconnected projects on the horizon. The streamer is also looking to develop a film and a video game based around their version of Lara Croft, all set in the same continuity. Amazon will partner with developer (and “Tomb Raider” rights holders) Crystal Dynamics for the upcoming game. They’ve been developing “Tomb Raider” adventures for about 20 years, so their collaboration will certainly be something to look forward to. 

While the sun has definitely set on Vikander’s “Tomb Raider” sequel, it’s not all bad news. The film was an unfortunate casualty in Hollywood’s ongoing IP wars — but with the rights now secured and a fresh cinematic universe on the way, fans will be getting a whole lot more Lara Croft. Hopefully, the new franchise can live up to the hype.