Alicia Vikander, who played Lara Croft in the 2018Â Tomb Raider film adaptation, has confirmed that a sequel is still in development.
In an interview with Collider, Vikander was asked about the film's progress, and whether or not the sequel was still happening. "Yeah," Vikander confirmed. "Pre-COVID, I would've said yes. And now I think it's a yes still. It's not greenlit, but the script is in the making. And I think everyone is excited, and I would love to revisit Lara again." Vikander also noted that the script progress was something new, and not something that had been in development for a while. "It's very recent. It's really now when the world is up and running again, and Misha is on board and she's working on the script right now. So I'm very excited to sort of read something very soon."
Vikander expressed interest in returning to the role before the first Tomb Raider had even released, suggesting that if there was an audience for the film, she would love to do it. The sequel was announced in Sept. 2019, originally picking up Amy Jump and Ben Wheatley to write and direct the film, respectively. However, Tomb Raider 2 was delayed indefinitely following the COVID-19 pandemic, as MGM Studios removed the film from their release calendar.
The film was originally set to debut in theaters on March 19, 2021 and would see Alicia Vikander reprising her role. In January 2021, Misha Green signed on to the film in order to replace Wheatley and Jump, following their departures. In May 2021, Green teased that she had completed her first draft for the film, posting a cover page which featured a potential title for the film: Tomb Raider: Obsidian. "Still a long journey to production," Green posted. "Title's not even approved. But first draft finished!"
The original Tomb Raider released in 2018 to mixed reviews from critics and audiences, raising a worldwide total of $274.7 million against a production budget in the range of $90-106 million. It is the second film adaptation of the popular video game series, the first of which starred Angelina Jolie and was released in 2001, coincidentally also grossing $274.7 at the box office. The film would see a sequel in 2003:Â Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -- The Cradle of Life. The 2018 film starring Vikander adapted the events of 2013's Rise of the Tomb Raider, and the second film installment will reportedly adapt Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Written and directed by Misha Green, Tomb Raider 2 stars Alicia Vikander. The film currently has no release date.
Source: Gizmodo