Tomb Raider is one of the most successful game series of all time, but the recent 2018 reboot movie wasn’t the hit that director Roar Uthaug and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had hoped for. The picture only grossed $274 million and failed to break even, and its planned sequel was canceled in 2022.
Now Amazon Studios has the rights to the brand after MGM’s option expired. It has grand plans to create a shared universe that will initially include a movie, a television series, and a new game.
Tomb Raider Franchise is Ripe for a Reboot
Amazon doesn’t have many massive IPs on its books, unlike HBO Max and Disney+. It’s clear that the media giant is trying to catch up with its competitors in this regard, and gaining the rights to Tomb Raider could have been a shrewd move. Tomb Raider is up there with the most thriving game series ever made, and it continues to attract old and new generations with each game release.
The great thing about the Lara Croft-led franchise is that it lends itself well to different media. Along with the much-loved console offerings, there have been game releases on other platforms. Some of the best in recent times have been the Lara Croft Go and Lara Croft: Relic Run mobile games.
Tomb Raider even has representation in the online casino industry, highlighting how there’s a sprawling demographic for the content in that market as well. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider has been one of the most played jackpot slots for years, and it continues to attract players thanks to its recognizability. Amazon could easily commission new games like this to tap into the bustling casino crowd.
Amazon Seeking to Capitalize With Various Media
The concept of shared universes that span film, TV shows, and games is growing in the modern age. Disney+ has set the benchmark for this, with its various spinoff series related to the Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universes. HBO Max has recently jumped on board with this too, and Peacemaker was a successful offshoot of the Suicide Squad movie. It’s now planning spinoffs to The Batman, including a series centering on the Penguin.
Amazon is planning something similar now that it has the rights to the Tomb Raider brand. There will be a rebooted movie, which will be accompanied by a spinoff series and a new console game. Few details have been released about the film and game to date, but it has been confirmed that Phoebe Waller-Bridge is developing the television offering.
One of the highlights of the 2018 reboot of Tomb Raider was Alicia Vikander in the title role. Some believe that the Swedish actress was superior to Angelina Jolie as the intrepid explorer, but it’s unlikely that she will be returning now that Amazon is developing fresh offerings.
Tomb Raider’s notoriety among varied audiences means that a new cinematic universe has the potential to get off to a strong start. Hopefully, Amazon will give fans of the franchise a load of great new content to get excited about.
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