Is Tomb Raider 2 Out? Delving into the World of Lara Croft’s Sequels and Reboots
The answer to whether Tomb Raider 2 is “out” is a complex one, highly dependent on what you’re referring to. There isn’t a direct cinematic sequel to the 2018 Tomb Raider film starring Alicia Vikander currently released or actively in production. However, the Tomb Raider universe is a vast and sprawling one, encompassing video games, animated series, and a rebooted cinematic future. Let’s break it down.
The Fate of Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider Sequel
Sadly, the planned sequel to the 2018 film, starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, was ultimately canceled. Several factors contributed to this, including creative differences, a potentially bloated budget, and the impending expiration of MGM’s rights to the franchise. The studio needed to greenlight something before May 2022 to retain those rights, and without a confirmed sequel, they were lost.
A New Era: Amazon’s Tomb Raider Reboot
While a direct sequel is off the table, the Tomb Raider franchise is far from dead. Amazon is developing a reboot of the franchise into a shared universe, encompassing film, television, and potentially other media. This signifies a complete reimagining, likely with a new Lara Croft at the helm. Details are still emerging, but this ambitious project suggests a fresh start for the iconic adventurer.
Remasters and Reboots in the Gaming World
The Tomb Raider legacy in gaming remains strong. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Tomb Raider I, II, III Remastered, a package bringing the classic games to modern platforms with updated graphics and controls. This is not a remake in the sense of a complete overhaul, but rather a faithful restoration of the original experiences. Furthermore, new Tomb Raider games are likely on the horizon, though specific details remain under wraps.
Animated Adventures: Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
Netflix has joined the fray with Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, an anime series featuring the voice of Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter). This series offers a different take on Lara’s adventures, expanding the character’s reach to a new audience.
Understanding the Confusing Landscape of Tomb Raider
With so many different projects in development and various iterations of Lara Croft throughout the years, understanding the current state of the Tomb Raider franchise can be confusing. The key is to distinguish between direct sequels, reboots, remasters, and entirely new entries in different media formats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tomb Raider
1. Why was Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider 2 canceled?
As mentioned earlier, creative differences, concerns about the budget, and the looming deadline for MGM’s rights all played a role in the cancellation of the planned sequel.
2. Is Tomb Raider 2 getting a remake?
Not in the cinematic sense. However, Tomb Raider I, II, and III are being remastered for modern platforms. These are enhanced versions of the original games, not complete remakes from the ground up.
3. Will Alicia Vikander return as Lara Croft?
Given the rebooted nature of the franchise under Amazon, it is unlikely that Alicia Vikander will reprise her role as Lara Croft.
4. Where can I watch the original Tomb Raider 2 movie?
You’re likely referring to Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), the second film starring Angelina Jolie. It is available to stream with a subscription on Paramount Plus, or to rent or buy on platforms like Vudu, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
5. What is the new Tomb Raider anime series about?
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Netflix) is an anime series that presents a new adventure for Lara Croft, featuring Hayley Atwell as the voice of Lara. Specific plot details are currently under wraps, but it promises to be a fresh take on the character.
6. What is Tomb Raider 2 in the gaming world?
Tomb Raider II is the second game in the original series, released in 1997. It follows Lara as she searches for the Dagger of Xian. There’s also an expansion pack, Tomb Raider II: The Golden Mask, featuring additional levels and a new story.
7. Why didn’t Angelina Jolie do Tomb Raider 3?
Angelina Jolie stated that she felt satisfied with her performance in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life and didn’t feel the need to do another film in the franchise.
8. Who owns the Tomb Raider franchise now?
The Tomb Raider franchise is currently owned by CDE Entertainment, after being acquired from Square Enix Europe by Embracer Group in 2022.
9. What are Tomb Raider 1, 2, and 3 Remastered?
These are remastered versions of the first three Tomb Raider games, featuring enhanced graphics and updated controls for modern platforms. They are not complete remakes, but rather faithful restorations of the original games.
10. Is the Amazon Tomb Raider reboot a remake or a sequel?
The Amazon project is a reboot, meaning it is a complete reimagining of the franchise, not a direct continuation of any previous storylines or characters.
11. Was the 2018 Tomb Raider movie a financial success?
The 2018 Tomb Raider film was a moderate success. While it underperformed in North America, it did well internationally, earning enough to be considered a relative win given its production budget.
12. Is Lara Croft a billionaire?
In the Tomb Raider lore, Lara Croft is portrayed as being born into a wealthy aristocratic family and having a substantial fortune.
13. Where was Tomb Raider 2: Cradle of Life filmed?
The 2003 film was filmed in various locations, including Cape Town Film Studios, Hex River Mountains, London, Matroosberg, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and Wilton House.
14. Did Angelina Jolie do her own stunts in Tomb Raider?
Yes, Angelina Jolie performed many of her own stunts in both Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.
15. What pistols does Lara Croft use in Cradle of Life?
Lara Croft uses a twin pair of H&K USP Match pistols in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.
Conclusion: The Future of Tomb Raider
While a direct sequel to the 2018 film is not happening, the Tomb Raider franchise is entering a new and exciting phase. Amazon’s reboot, the remastered games, and the anime series all point to a renewed focus on Lara Croft and her adventures. The exact direction of the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lara Croft’s legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come. You can learn more about the cultural impact of video games and their educational potential at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.