Lara Croft's Latest Spell: How a 2018 Tomb Raider Film Bewitched Netflix, Seven Years On
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Seven years after its initial release, Alicia Vikander's 2018 *Tomb Raider* film has inexplicably landed on Netflix's global Top 10, sparking curiosity about Lara Croft's enduring appeal. This unexpected resurgence coincides with the franchise's 30th anniversary, the announcement of two brand-new *Tomb Raider* games, and a high-profile Amazon TV series, setting the stage for a massive return for gaming's iconic adventurer.
Right, so picture this: you're scrolling through Netflix, probably dodging another festive rom-com, and then *BAM* – there it is. Alicia Vikander's 2018 *Tomb Raider* film, the one that felt like it just… existed, has suddenly materialised in the global top 10. Seven years later, mate! It’s like a forgotten spell scroll finally activating, bringing an old adventure back to the forefront. I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared.
You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well? That's what this feels like for the *Tomb Raider* brand. This film, which took a hefty cue from the gritty, rebooted "Survivor" game trilogy, wasn't exactly setting the world on fire when it first dropped. Decent enough, sure, but not exactly a genre-defining masterpiece. Yet, here we are, with Netflix data proudly declaring it the ninth most-watched film worldwide between December 22nd and 28th – even elbowing out a certain "Jingle Bell Heist" (which, let's be honest, sounds like something I'd try to do if I had a grapple hook and a festive jumper). The stats aren't kidding either: two weeks on the global top 10, over 4 million views, equating to a staggering 8.2 million hours watched. That's a lot of popcorn and Lara Croft, isn't it?
So, why the sudden resurrection? Did a rogue algorithm decide it was time for a Lara-shaped dose of nostalgia? Or is there something more profound, something bubbling under the surface of the digital ether? As always, I reckon it’s a confluence of factors, a perfect storm of gaming lore and Hollywood machinations.
First off, and this is a big one, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the original *Tomb Raider*. Thirty years! Fair dinkum, it feels like only yesterday I was trying to figure out how to stack those damn blocks in the first game. (And yes, I’m still only 21, don’t ask me how that maths works out, it’s wizardry, alright?). That's three decades of Lara Croft raiding tombs, battling dinosaurs, and generally being the most iconic action hero to ever grace a digital screen. This kind of milestone usually brings a wave of retrospection, a craving for the good old days – or in this case, the slightly-less-old-but-still-a-bit-dusty film adaptation.
But wait, there's more! The biggest catalyst (pun absolutely intended, you’ll see why) for this sudden surge in interest has to be the announcement of not one, but *two* new *Tomb Raider* games. Talk about an embarrassment of riches!
First up, we've got *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis*. This one sounds like it could be genuinely interesting, a "from-the-ground-up remake" of the original *Tomb Raider*. Flying Wild Hog – those chaps behind *Shadow Warrior* and *Evil West* – are co-developing it with Crystal Dynamics. A remake of the OG? That's a bold move, and honestly, a bit exciting. Modern tech, classic level design, maybe even some of those delightfully clunky tank controls as an optional extra? One can dream, right? This chap is set for release sometime this year. Here’s hoping they nail the atmosphere and the puzzles, rather than just going for a shiny coat of paint.
Then, for those who prefer their Lara to be constantly evolving, we have *Tomb Raider: Catalyst*. This is an all-new series entry, developed by Crystal Dynamics and Amazon, and it’s picking up *after* *Tomb Raider: Underworld*. Now, *Underworld* was the one where Lara literally popped down to Helheim and wielded bloody Mjolnir. So, *Catalyst* promises to be quite the adventure, with Lara globetrotting to Northern India. It’s slated for 2027, which gives us plenty of time to ponder what kind of mystical mayhem awaits. Amazon's involvement here is fascinating, suggesting a deeper play than just publishing.
And speaking of Amazon, they're not just dabbling in games. They're going all-in on the Tomb Raider universe. Remember how that planned sequel to Vikander's film was scrapped after MGM lost the rights in 2022? Well, Amazon has picked up the mantle, big time. They're working on a live-action *Tomb Raider* TV series, with Sophie Turner – yes, Sansa Stark herself – stepping into Lara's boots. Filming is apparently kicking off later this month, and the cast list is already looking stacked, with Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs amongst the names. Weaver even called the scripts "incredible, and very funny, very charming, very witty." Now, I'm always gently skeptical of PR speak, especially when it promises "incredible" scripts, but with that talent involved, colour me cautiously optimistic. A witty Lara? Sign me up, mate.
So, when you piece it all together, it's not just a random Netflix algorithm deciding to throw a dart at a release schedule. It's a calculated (or perhaps chaotically coincidental) confluence of events. A major anniversary, two new games on the horizon (one a nostalgic remake, one a fresh chapter), and a high-profile TV series gearing up for production. All this builds a massive surge of interest around the *Tomb Raider* brand. People are clearly revisiting old content, getting hyped for new experiences, and generally basking in the glory of gaming's most enduring adventurer.
What does this mean for us, the actual players and fans? It means Lara Croft isn't going anywhere. In fact, she's about to be *everywhere*. The challenge, as always, will be maintaining quality across so many different projects and platforms. Can Amazon deliver a TV series that lives up to the character's legacy? Will the new games truly innovate or just rehash? Will *Legacy of Atlantis* evoke the magic of the original without feeling dated?
These are the questions a curious wizard such as myself ponders as I watch the digital tea leaves settle. For now, though, it’s a grand old time to be a *Tomb Raider* fan. Grab your pickaxe, dust off your pistol, and maybe re-watch Vikander's turn on Netflix. The next era of Lara Croft is almost upon us, and frankly, I’m bloody excited to see where she raids next.
Tags: TombRaider, GamingNews, LaraCroft, Netflix, GameAdaptations
Original article: Eurogamer