Tomb Raider

Meet the new Lara Croft: Alicia Vikander

IN 2013, game developer Crystal Dynamics decided to reboot the Tomb Raider series and develop a more modern version of archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft. The upcoming Tomb Raider film will take place within the same timeline as the current video game, with Oscar winner Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina, The Danish Girl) playing a younger Lara Croft.

What was your reaction when you were first approached about taking on the iconic role of Lara Croft?

Alicia Vikander: I was certainly familiar with Lara Croft, having played the Tomb Raider game both as a kid and as an adult. Since this project draws its inspiration from the 2013 version of the game, which is quite different from the editions I was familiar with, I played that version and really liked its more contemporary feel. So, I met with Director Roar Uthaug and the producers, who provided some intriguing insights about the film they wanted to make. I realized that they wanted to bring the world of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft to life—and into our time—in an exciting new way that would be compelling, human, and relevant to this generation.

What can you tell us about the Lara Croft we meet in Tomb Raider, and what drew you to the character?

Lara has a feistiness, intelligence, and wit about her that I love, as well as a passion for adventure.

Since this is an origin story, we meet Lara as she’s still trying to figure out what she’s going to do with her life and find her place in the world. Although she was born to privilege, I really like the fact that instead of embracing a glamorous life, Lara stands up for herself; she wants to figure out who she is on her own terms, which I think is something that anyone can relate to. Young people don’t always know the journey that lies ahead for them.