The Tomb Raider franchise is quietly building toward a new era. With multiple projects in development across games, animation, and physical media, Lara Croft is set to make a major return—both in digital and real-world formats. Here’s a complete breakdown of where the series stands in 2025.
Next Mainline Tomb Raider Game: Unreal Engine 5, Amazon Backing
The next Tomb Raider title is in full development at Crystal Dynamics and will be published by Amazon Games, marking Amazon’s most high-profile entry into AAA single-player gaming yet. The game is being built in Unreal Engine 5, promising a more cinematic, open-world experience with advanced physics and lifelike environments.
Insider job listings suggest the game has progressed to late-stage development, with speculation pointing to a reveal during Summer Game Fest 2025. Developers have hinted at a return to a more experienced Lara Croft, blending the survivor tone of the reboot trilogy with the globe-trotting adventure of the original games.
This will be the first mainline game in the franchise since 2018’s “Shadow of the Tomb Raider.”
The Crypt of Chronos Board Game: Tomb Raider Goes Tabletop
In late May 2025, Tomb Raider: The Crypt of Chronos launched on Kickstarter. This narrative-focused board game transports players into Lara’s world using cards, dice, and environmental challenges. Designed with input from fans and lore experts, the game is a love letter to the franchise’s classic puzzle-solving roots.
It quickly gained traction on crowdfunding platforms and is expected to ship in early 2026.
Remastered Trilogy: Tomb Raider IV–VI
Aspyr and Saber Interactive released Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered on February 14, 2025, giving longtime fans a modernized take on The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and The Angel of Darkness. While the games feature upgraded visuals, widescreen support, and optional tank controls, reviews have been mixed—some praising the nostalgia, others wishing for deeper overhauls.
Physical editions of these remasters are slated for September 19, 2025, including collector’s packaging and artbooks. They’re available on all major platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Pinball FX Crossover Tables
Two Tomb Raider-themed pinball tables—“Adventures of Lara Croft” and “Secrets of Croft Manor”—are being added to Pinball FX on June 19, 2025. These tables include voice lines from various eras of Lara Croft and offer players narrative quests alongside traditional pinball gameplay.
This crossover aligns with other legacy gaming IPs appearing in Zen Studios’ Pinball FX, such as DOOM, Fallout, and The Witcher.
Animation & Live-Action Projects
Netflix Anime: Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
The animated series debuted on October 10, 2024, and bridges the narrative gap between Shadow of the Tomb Raider and the upcoming new game. Season 2 is already streaming and delves deeper into Lara’s transition from isolated explorer to connected global adventurer. The voice of Lara is provided by Hayley Atwell, best known for her work in Captain America and Mission: Impossible.
Amazon Live-Action Series: Development Trouble
The live-action adaptation of Tomb Raider, once championed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and rumored to star Sophie Turner, has reportedly hit development hell. As of mid-2025, no script has been delivered, and Amazon Studios has not announced any production start. Sources suggest the project may be quietly shelved, reflecting broader difficulties with high-budget game adaptations at Amazon.
Community & Corporate Developments
- The Tomb Raider Forums celebrated their 25th anniversary on June 6, 2025, highlighting the enduring strength of the fan community. Longtime modders, fan artists, and game historians were spotlighted across social media.
- Embracer Group, which acquired the Tomb Raider IP from Square Enix, announced Phil Rogers will become the new CEO effective August 1, 2025. Rogers was formerly head of Eidos and has a long history with the franchise. His return signals renewed leadership focus on maximizing the brand’s future across games, film, and merchandise.
Summary of Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| IV–VI Remastered Digital Launch | Feb 14, 2025 |
| Forums 25th Anniversary | Jun 6, 2025 |
| Pinball FX Crossover Launch | Jun 19, 2025 |
| Embracer CEO Transition | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Remastered Trilogy Physical Release | Sep 19, 2025 |
| Summer Game Fest (Game Reveal?) | June 2025 (TBD) |
What’s Next?
With a major new game nearing reveal, multimedia projects expanding (even if unevenly), and Amazon backing the franchise for the first time, 2025 could mark the beginning of Tomb Raider’s next big chapter. Fans can expect a modern Lara Croft for a new era—one still rooted in tombs, puzzles, and perilous ruins, but likely with broader storytelling ambitions and next-gen production values.
Tomb Raider (2018)
The 2018 “Tomb Raider” reboot brought one of gaming’s most iconic heroines to life with a fresh cast and modern approach to the beloved franchise. Alicia Vikander stepped into the role of Lara Croft, delivering a more grounded and realistic portrayal of the character compared to previous iterations. The film assembled a talented ensemble cast including Dominic West as Lara’s father Richard Croft, Walton Goggins as the villain Mathias Vogel, and Daniel Wu as Lu Ren, who helps Lara on her adventure.
Under the direction of Roar Uthaug, the film told the origin story of Lara Croft before she became the tomb raider fans know from the video games. The supporting cast also featured respected actors like Kristin Scott Thomas and Derek Jacobi, adding depth to the adaptation. This version sought to distance itself from earlier portrayals by focusing on Lara’s transformation into an adventurer rather than presenting her as an already established hero.
Key Takeaways
- Alicia Vikander led the 2018 Tomb Raider cast as a younger, more vulnerable Lara Croft alongside Dominic West and Walton Goggins in supporting roles.
- Director Roar Uthaug assembled an internationally diverse cast to create a more grounded origin story based on the rebooted video game series.
- The film’s cast helped transform the adaptation into a character-driven adventure rather than just an action movie based on a gaming franchise.
Cast and Crew Insights
The 2018 Tomb Raider film brought together an impressive ensemble of talent both in front of and behind the camera. The production team assembled Oscar-winning actors alongside seasoned performers to breathe new life into the iconic video game franchise.
Leading Lady Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft
Alicia Vikander, fresh off her Oscar win for “The Danish Girl,” stepped into the role previously made famous by Angelina Jolie. The Swedish actress brought a more grounded, vulnerable approach to Lara Croft, emphasizing the character’s intelligence and determination.
Vikander underwent intensive physical training for the role, gaining 12 pounds of muscle through a rigorous regiment of weight training, rock climbing, and MMA fighting. This preparation helped her perform many of her own stunts in the film.
Her performance was widely praised for bringing emotional depth to the character, portraying Lara as a young woman still discovering her capabilities rather than the confident, established adventurer from previous iterations.
Directorial Vision of Roar Uthaug
Norwegian director Roar Uthaug brought his experience with tension-filled films like “The Wave” to craft a more realistic Tomb Raider adventure. Uthaug approached the film as an origin story, focusing on Lara’s transformation from inexperienced adventurer to the hero audiences recognize.
Uthaug drew inspiration from the 2013 video game reboot, aiming to create a more gritty and realistic portrayal of survival and adventure. His background in thriller filmmaking helped shape the movie’s suspenseful action sequences.
The director worked closely with cinematographer George Richmond to create visually stunning sequences while maintaining a sense of danger and reality. Uthaug’s vision emphasized practical effects where possible, adding authenticity to the film’s action set pieces.
Supporting Cast Ensemble
The film featured an impressive supporting cast that added depth to the story. Dominic West portrayed Lord Richard Croft, Lara’s missing father, bringing emotional weight to their complex relationship.
Walton Goggins took on the antagonist role as Mathias Vogel, a desperate archaeologist trapped on the island. His nuanced performance avoided one-dimensional villainy, instead showing a man driven to extremes by years of isolation and pressure.
Daniel Wu played Lu Ren, the ship captain who aids Lara on her journey, while Kristin Scott Thomas appeared as Ana Miller, a business associate of the Croft family. The ensemble also included brief but memorable appearances by Derek Jacobi and Nick Frost.
The diverse cast brought varied perspectives to the adventure story, creating a more textured world around Vikander’s central performance.
Industry and Audience Reception
Tomb Raider (2018) starring Alicia Vikander faced mixed reception from both industry professionals and audiences. The film struggled to match expectations set by earlier adaptations while attempting to establish a more grounded and modern take on the iconic video game heroine.
Global Box Office Performance
The 2018 Tomb Raider reboot generated approximately $275 million worldwide against a production budget of $90-106 million. While not a box office failure, these numbers fell short of studio expectations. The film performed notably better internationally than domestically, with nearly 70% of revenue coming from overseas markets.
In China alone, the film earned over $78 million, demonstrating the franchise’s global appeal. However, when compared to other video game adaptations released around the same period, Tomb Raider’s performance was considered average.
The film failed to achieve the breakout success that producers hoped would launch a new film series. This lukewarm financial performance ultimately impacted plans for immediate sequels.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Adaptations
The 2018 reboot faced inevitable comparisons to the early 2000s Angelina Jolie-led films. The Jolie adaptations earned a combined global box office of approximately $432 million despite mixed critical reception.
Vikander’s portrayal offered a more realistic and vulnerable Lara Croft compared to Jolie’s more stylized, iconic version. This shift reflected modern audience preferences for more grounded origin stories rather than the campy action style popular in the early 2000s.
Critics noted the 2018 film borrowed elements from other adventure franchises like Indiana Jones while attempting to establish its own identity. The reboot focused on Lara’s character development and survival skills rather than the supernatural elements prominent in the Jolie films.
This approach divided fans, with some appreciating the more serious tone while others missed the escapist fun of previous adaptations.
Critical Reviews and Market Predictions
The film received mixed reviews from critics, earning a 52% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers consistently praised Vikander’s committed performance while criticizing the predictable plot and uneven pacing.
Many critics compared it unfavorably to similar adventure films:
- More grounded than the Jolie films, but less memorable
- Less fantastical than Indiana Jones, but borrowing similar tropes
- Stronger female lead than many action films, but with weaker supporting characters
Industry analysts initially predicted stronger performance based on:
- The established video game brand recognition
- Vikander’s rising star status following her Oscar win
- The growing market for female-led action films
The film’s performance ultimately fell between pessimistic and optimistic market predictions, reflecting audience uncertainty about yet another video game adaptation.
Marketing Impact on Audience Engagement
Warner Bros. deployed a substantial marketing campaign featuring action-packed trailers and promotional tie-ins with the video game franchise. Marketing emphasized Vikander’s physical transformation and training for the role to appeal to both gaming fans and general action audiences.
Social media campaigns on platforms like Amazon and Yahoo highlighted the film’s practical stunts and Vikander’s dedication. This approach aimed to distinguish it from CGI-heavy competitors and connect with fans of the more grounded 2013 video game reboot.
The marketing struggled to overcome viewer fatigue with video game adaptations, which historically underperformed critically. Unlike surprise hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, Tomb Raider’s marketing couldn’t generate sufficient excitement beyond the core gaming audience.
Digital engagement metrics showed strong initial interest that failed to translate into sustained box office momentum, suggesting the marketing created awareness but not compelling interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2018 Tomb Raider film featured a talented cast led by Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander. Many viewers have questions about the actors, characters, and potential future of the franchise.
Who was part of the main cast in the 2018 Tomb Raider film?
The main cast of the 2018 Tomb Raider film included Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, Dominic West as Lord Richard Croft (Lara’s father), and Walton Goggins as Mathias Vogel (the main antagonist).
Additional cast members included Daniel Wu as Lu Ren, Kristin Scott Thomas as Ana Miller, and Derek Jacobi as Mr. Yaffe.
The film also featured Hannah John-Kamen, Nick Frost, and Jaime Winstone in supporting roles.
Is Alicia Vikander returning for a sequel to the 2018 Tomb Raider movie?
As of March 2025, Alicia Vikander’s return for a Tomb Raider sequel remains uncertain. While a sequel was announced in 2019 with Vikander expected to reprise her role, the project faced multiple delays and directorial changes.
In 2022, MGM lost the film rights to the Tomb Raider franchise, effectively canceling the direct sequel to the 2018 film.
The franchise is currently being reimagined with potential new casting for future adaptations.
What character does Alicia Vikander portray in the 2018 Tomb Raider?
Alicia Vikander portrays Lara Croft, the iconic protagonist of the Tomb Raider franchise. In this origin story, Lara is portrayed as a young woman working as a bicycle courier in London.
The film depicts Lara before she becomes the seasoned tomb raider from the games. She embarks on a journey to find her missing father on a mysterious island off the coast of Japan.
Vikander underwent intensive physical training for the role, adding muscle to perform many of her own stunts and create a more realistic portrayal of the character.
Who directed the 2018 Tomb Raider movie?
The 2018 Tomb Raider film was directed by Norwegian filmmaker Roar Uthaug. This was his first major Hollywood production.
Uthaug was known for directing the Norwegian disaster film “The Wave” before taking on the Tomb Raider project.
The screenplay was written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Alastair Siddons, with story elements adapted from the 2013 Tomb Raider video game reboot.
How was the 2018 Tomb Raider movie received by critics?
The 2018 Tomb Raider film received mixed reviews from critics. Most praised Alicia Vikander’s performance and the physical demands of her role.
Critics often compared the film favorably to previous video game adaptations, though many felt the story lacked originality.
The film earned approximately $275 million worldwide against a production budget of $94 million, making it a modest commercial success.
What are the future plans for the Tomb Raider film franchise following the 2018 release?
The Tomb Raider film franchise is currently in transition. After MGM lost the film rights in 2022, Amazon (through its acquisition of MGM) and Embracer Group (owner of the Tomb Raider IP) began developing new adaptation plans.
In January 2023, Amazon announced a new Tomb Raider TV series written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Prime Video.
Additionally, a new Tomb Raider film is reportedly in development, though it will likely be a complete reboot rather than a continuation of the 2018 film’s storyline.
