Lara Croft fans will soon have a bevy of newTomb Raidercontent to dive into. Amazon has slated aTomb Raidertelevision series to begin development, helmed byKilling EveandFleabagcreator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. While few details about the series have been released, there’s a good chance that the show will take its cues on lore from the long-runningTomb Raiderfranchise, including previous films. Although the earlyTomb Raiderfilms painted Lara Croft as a seasoned explorer, the television series should allow Lara to grow into her legacy organically.
With the underwhelming reception of the 2018Tomb Raiderfilm, some fans may be skeptical about another adaption, especially if it seems disingenuous to the source material. What’s tricky about a new adaptation is that manyTomb Raiderfans have mixed feelings about different iterations of Lara Croft over others. While the “survivor” trilogy of games - 2013’sTomb Raiderthrough 2018’sShadow of the Tomb Raider-was a significant departure from the Lara seen in classic games, the arc of growth she went through as a character is essential to have in any future adaptation.
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Why The Amazon Tomb Raider Adaptation Should Allow Lara to Grow
Not only is there an upcomingAmazonTomb Raidertelevision serieson the horizon, developer Crystal Dynamics has also teased the release of a brand-newTomb Raidergame in the wake of its work onMarvel’s Avengers. Although a release date for the newTomb Raidergame is unknown, there are rumors that it will feature an older, more experienced Lara Croft. While this evolution in Lara’s character makes sense given the growth her character has experienced over a decade, the television adaptation has to be careful not to rush into Lara’s infamous “Tomb Raider” status while leaving her emotional growth behind.
Fans only have to look at classicTomb Raidergames to see a completely different depiction of Croft. In earlier games likeTomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness,Lara is characterized as a wealthy heiress who uses her family’s wealth to fund expeditions for lost treasure. While this version of Lara Croft is a dual-wielding combat master and experienced explorer, she also lacks the depth that makes her recent characterization so interesting. Lara’s growing emotional depth and inner world make her unique from the Indiana Jones archetype that influenced her creation.
How The Tomb Raider TV Adaptation Can Avoid The Pitfalls of Films
TheTomb Raiderfilm franchise is iconic, but not necessarily for the right reasons. The2001Tomb Raiderfilm starring Angelina Joliereceived critically negative reviews due to an excess of action sequences and plot threads that had no emotional impact. It could be argued that the film suffered from the same pitfalls as the originalTomb Raidergames from which it was based. Making Lara Croft an immediately excellent and efficient explorer deprives fans of the messiness and emotional growth that comes with learning, failing, and surviving.
The AmazonTomb Raideradaptation can also learn from the2018Tomb Raiderfilm. While the film attempts to give Lara character development, her journey from shell-shocked victim to hardened survivor is jarringly quick, seemingly throwing Lara Croft dual pistols and climbing axes before she’s thematically earned them. The television series should incorporate a sense of progression thatTomb Raidergames get right. It’s possible to give fans a version of Lara Croft who grows into her legacy in a way that honors both her abilities and humanity.
ATomb Raiderseries is in development at Amazon.
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