The most iconic girl boss in all of gaming is about to have yet another on-screen debut. Not content with a number of high-profile video game and cinematic releases over the past decade, the Tomb Raider franchise has finally decided to dip its toe into the streaming world, having inked a deal with Netflix to produce a multi-episode TV series based on the iconic game. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming Lara Croft TV show.
The facts
We’ll be the first to admit that actual details are still thin on the ground. We know that the deal was signed off between Netflix and Square Enix (the studio behind the smash-hit video game series) back in September 2021.
We do not have a release date on the cards yet, but we’ve seen some chatter online that suggests an early 2023 debut on the streaming platform. We also know that the series will continue from the narrative and plot of the most recent run of games, specifically the uber-gritty releases Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Since these count among the most critically acclaimed and widely popular games in the entire Tomb Raider franchise, there are plenty of reasons to be excited. While the cast has not been formally announced yet, we do know that Netflix has already signed the lead.
Ms. Croft herself will be played by none other than Hayley Atwell, perhaps best known for co-starring alongside Chris Evans in Captian America: The First Avenger. She also recently starred in her own TV show, Agent Carter, which was based on her character in the film and ran for two seasons. From her dulcet RP accent alone, we believe she’ll be a great fit for the Tomb Raider.
A growing empire
The Netflix series will be the latest addition to a rapidly growing multimedia empire that has since spanned well beyond the world of video games. Most notable is the string of blockbuster action films that are loosely based on the games themselves.
The original, 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, might not have been a critical darling, but it launched the career of then-unknown Angelina Jolie and has since become a firm fan favorite. There have been multiple releases since then, with the most recent run starring Swedish actress Alicia Vikander attracting the greatest level of critical acclaim thus far. However, the Lara Croft empire is not limited to movies.
Fans can also step into the shoes of the Tomb Raider by playing Lara Croft: Temples and Tombs, one of the popular jackpot slots available online at Hippodrome Casino. In this 5-reel 3D video slot, players navigate the tombs and temples of some of the most iconic locales from the games in a hunt for real treasure, in the form of cash payouts.
So, will the Netflix Lara Croft show be a treasured addition to the canon loved by all, or will it just become a forgettable addition to one of the biggest gaming empires on the planet? Stay tuned to find out.