by Karman Kregloe

Lara Croft gets a reboot

It looks like everyone's favorite impossibly proportioned video action heroine is going to be headed back to the big screen.

Lara Croft

According to The Hollywood Reporter, there are plans to "reboot" Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider franchise. The rights to the character have recently gone back to the company that created the game in 1996, Eidos. Says The Hollywood Reporter, "When Time Warner upped its stake to 19.92% in Eidos in December, film rights to the property were included as part of the deal."

Though Angelina Jolie popularized the Croft character on film in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), both films were met with lukewarm critical reviews and Cradle of Life was not a financial success. Currently, there is no indication that Jolie would reprise her role.

Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft

The project is being developed by Warner Brothers and producer by Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes, Terminator 5), though no writer or star has yet been attached. These two factors are, of course, critical, as one (Jolie as star) was the central reason of the franchise's popularity on film, and the other (the writing) was the major flaw in both of the Tomb Raider films.

As you might expect, there is already speculation that ~~designer imposter Angelina Jolie~~ self-described "Tranny" Megan Fox (Transformers) is being considered for the role of Lara Croft. But that wouldn't be enough to get me rushing back into the theatres to see the movie (though her Transformers co-star Rachel Taylor is definitely matinee-worthy).

Megan Fox

In fact, I'm hoping that the Tomb Raider franchise takes a note from the James Bond franchise and reinvents Lara Croft entirely.

Remember when James Bond (Roger Moore's incarnation in particular) was a slick, emotionless, know-it-all who nonchalantly bedded any woman who crossed his path then was fluffed and ready for another game of Baccarat within the hour? Enter Daniel Craig, and Bond is now a brooding, brutish, heart-broken mess capable of blood, sweat and tears. Now that's a Bond that I can get on board with!

Imagine if Croft underwent the same transformation, and instead of a monotone, glassy-eyed, braid and bangs-wielding chaste archaeologist with daddy issues we were treated to a passionate, thugish, obscenity-spewing adventurer who uses men (or women!) like tissues before embarking on her next adventure.

As long as we're rewriting the character, let's re-cast the role too. I nominate the following:

Michelle Rodriguez (who brings the brute)

Salma Hayek (who brings the passion, and probably her ever-present pal Penelope Cruz)

Jessica Biel (ok, she's not so tough, but she's ripped!)

Rose Rollins (as The L Word's Tasha, now in the private sector)

out lesbian comic Julie Goldman (because treasure hunting in cargo pants makes more sense anyway)

Will you go back to see the new (and hopefully improved) Lara Croft? Who would you cast in the role?

Karman Kregloe's blog

Submitted by

Karman Kregloe

on January 29, 2009 - 9:00am.

TAGS ::

It totally depens on who

Submitted by

Lana (30 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:09am.

It totally depens on who will be the new Lara Croft. I like Angelina a lot a Lara Croft, so it will be a tough act to follow.

;)

Blaspheme!!

Submitted by

Cat (84 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:17am.

How could you leave out the original Lara Croft model, and current star of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, and complete and utter hottie, Rhona Mitra?!

I don't think she'd want the job

Submitted by

Rydia Auften (38 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:11am.

I heard she was really pissed when they decided to replace her. I know I was, the second Croft model was well built, but she wasn't Rhona Mitra. But if they were able to kiss and make up, I think she would be great too...except for the doublestandard for action heroes. Men can get older, but for a woman, what to do if they want to make a sequel and she doesn't look like she did 4 year years earlier (and its not the saga of Ellen Ripley)?

They'll probably cast somebody in the range of age barely legal and 28.

Ironically

Submitted by

Cat (84 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:27am.

One of the reasons they replaced Rhona was because she was deemed to have too much sass and attitude, which ended up being the very essence of the character of Lara Croft.

Rhona Mitra ^______________^

Submitted by

Jadey (79 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 2:23pm.

I agree. Although, like stated, she fell out with Eidos thats why she didn't do the movie. She's my favourite actress, would be sooo cool if she did it

however I am thinking that we need picture to prove how awesome she is.

Rhona Mitra Pictures, Images and Photos "

mmmm enjoy ladies ^__________^

she looks way more like the

Submitted by

Clara (919 posts)

on January 31, 2009 - 12:43am.

she looks way more like the original video game character than Angelina

________________________________

"there's always time for a burrow..."
"We're getting fired, fired, fired, firedddd"

"Clippity-cloppity"

Thats cause she was the

Submitted by

Jadey (79 posts)

on January 31, 2009 - 8:52pm.

Thats cause she was the original model :)

*Knows ALOT about this* heh

Rhona has already been Lara

Submitted by

Fizz (99 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:32am.

Rhona has already been Lara Croft whilst promoting the games, I doubt they would get her to do the movies? She is soooo similar to Angelina Jolie in terms of face shape, body and voice.

Karima Adibebe was a HOT Lara Croft.

Here's another vote for

Submitted by

BuckeyesBandit (120 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:36am.

Here's another vote for Rhona Mitra. She's smoking hot.

but she'd make a totally

Submitted by

ep7 (17 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:40am.

but she'd make a totally awesome lara croft. have you seen her in doomsday?!? omg! sooo hot!

Haha

Submitted by

Luce (907 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:43am.

Yeah, go Julie :P Would be nice, and they would have the whole lesbian community coming to the theatres :P lol

Can I add Lena Headey to the list? I think she'd be able to do it right and in cargo pants... :P

Oh can I second Rose

Submitted by

Kate (1 post)

on January 29, 2009 - 10:55am.

Oh can I second Rose Rollins? That would be very very good recasting.

Rose Rollins would be amazing!!

Submitted by

Steph (59 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:08am.

I would definitely watch then. She could bring the brute, the passion, and obviously the sexy.

Though Julie Goldman would have to be my 2nd choice, haha.

Rhona Mitra IS Lara

Submitted by

daisruba (2 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:14am.

Come on, Rhona is perfect for the role, she even has the british accent, I seriously doubt that Salma Hayek can pull that one of.

Mi vote is totally for Rhona, not only did the first Lara Croft characters use her body as the model, but also, she has the actitude of a beautyful and smart powerful woman that loves to kick ass!

Not again...

Submitted by

ChaosSerene (33 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:25am.

I know, it's futile, but I have to ask why don't they just leave it alone?

Unless they've got the best script ever made directly influenced by the game mythology and another Angelina "God was playing Tomb Raider when he made me" Jolie rank lady to fill in... nah, I pass.

Not Meagan...

Submitted by

Elin (112 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:53am.

<a href="http://elininferno.blogspot.com/">http://elininferno.blogspot.com/</a>

I would watch it yes... as long as Meagan Fox isn't in it... SHE CANT ACT, don't even know how she gets the parts cos she's not even that good looking.
And If they cast her as Cassie Hack in the upcoming movie Hack/Slash I'm gonna get very very sad... I mean it.

I'll probably see it

Submitted by

blonde101 (44 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 11:59am.

I'll probably see it regardless of who they end up casting. I loved the franchise. It would be a royal plus though if the chick was ridiculously hot....

let's see...

Submitted by

Gaya (106 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 12:02pm.

well, the only reason i sat through that whole movie, ok those two movies, was angelina jolie, so if she's not back, i probably won't see it! i think angie in that movie is responisible for doubling the size of our community...

Rhona Mitra

Submitted by

Sophie (38 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 12:22pm.

I love all the Rhona votes, I'm dissapointed she was left off the list! I'll see it if it stars Jolie or Fox, but I wont be majorly jazzed, I'll just watch it whenever's convenient. If Rhona gets to star, however, I will most definitely be there opening weekend. I saw Underworld 3 today, and, OH MY GOD, the woman should be on the big screen all day everyday. She's seriously sooooo hot!!!

Angelina/Rhona

Submitted by

Jessy'ka (73 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 12:53pm.

well I can say that I really really love Angelina and I had a hard time watching the second movie, I didnt thought it was that great, but the first one I loved it. So if they have to make another one, I think I'd rather see her in it so that I can have a my good memory of Lara Croft back in me. If not, well I still really like Rhona Mitra too so bring it on !!!

British Girls?

Submitted by

Briony (112 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 12:53pm.

Ok, so as Lara is supposedly British, does anyone else think that it'd be nice to have a british actress play her? Don't get me wrong, i love me an american girl, but as one of many underepresented nations (although by no means the most) I can't help but want a british girl to play here. Therefore, suggestions:

Rachel Weisz - sexy personified, english, inelligent, and did you see how much but she kicked in The Mummy? Plus it doesn't matter that Lara would be younger than her because RW DOESN'T AGE!!!
Lena Heady - Kicks butt as sarah connor, would as Lara.
Kate Beckinsale - Again, sexy, english, intelligent, prior butt kicking experiance

I'm also up for the Rhona Mitra suggestion, although i'm not convinced she could pull it off completely for some reason...Brits, i'd love to hear any other suggestions!

I actually agree with you!

Submitted by

SubtextRules (377 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 1:03pm.

Personally, I though Angelina was horrible as Lara. I don't care how hot you are, if you can't do a decent job becoming the character then I'm not wasting my time. Angie was great with all the action but her accent completely ruined it for me. I'd vote for Kate Beckinsale in a heart beat!

"You either want them or you don't! Taking longer to decided is not going to make a difference!"

Lena.

Submitted by

Luce (907 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 1:46pm.

As I said, I think it should be Lena Headey. so I agree with you on that :P

ahmgod, if rachel weisz was

Submitted by

Clara (919 posts)

on January 31, 2009 - 12:43am.

ahmgod, if rachel weisz was in it i'd defiently see. she was awesome in the mummy returns (her character was annoying in the first one though, was meant to bei guess) she could look right for it too (she's hottest in 'about a boy' though

lena could be pretty cool too but i've only really seen her in 'imagine me and you'

________________________________

"there's always time for a burrow..."
"We're getting fired, fired, fired, firedddd"

"Clippity-cloppity"

Rachel Shelley

Submitted by

Gingaling (55 posts)

on February 17, 2009 - 9:59pm.

i quite liked Angelina as Lara, im not a big fan of the films (or the games) but thought she did a good job, shes kick ass and she def has the right level of cockiness for her !

How bout Rachel Shelley? shes got the accent, shes stunning and fit and already has the 'im loaded and do whatever the hell i like' thing down

i dont think she would do it but i think she would be amazing

tho Rhona Mitra is seriously hot, i didnt realise she actually was British til now

Lena would be a lot better.

Submitted by

Anonymous

on January 29, 2009 - 3:05pm.

She already has the accent and she's hot.

Megan Fox can't really act anyway. She's just a pretty face with tattoos, which would normally be enough, but no!

Nobody can replace

Submitted by

lara2 (58 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 4:01pm.

Nobody can replace Angelina, but if I had to choose right now, I'd say that Karima Adebibe is also for me the girl/model that would look the most like Lara.Don't think she's an actress though...

And although I'm totally in love in Lena Headey and I looove SCC, I don't see her in the role, dunno why.

Tomb Raider

Submitted by

Angela (137 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 5:04pm.

i loved Angelina Jolie in the role but Megan Fox or Michelle Rodriguez would def get the job done <3

Lara Croft

Submitted by

Anonymous

on January 29, 2009 - 5:24pm.

I hope they do make another movie and reinvent the character. It worked for James Bond and the new Batman movies. Guys like to see male heroes broken and still fighting. They probably won't admit it but they do. So, I don't see how it wouldn't work for female heroes. Whether it's Angelina or someone new, I would still see it. The only way to discover new talent is to give them a chance.

Along the UK actress theme?

Submitted by

ChocolateSprinkles (102 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 7:03pm.

Keira Knightly?

Rachel Shelley?

Keeley Hawes? (who did the voice of lara in the PC games)

OR not uk

Lucy Lawless? :D

omg, rose rollins!

Submitted by

browneyedgurl (17 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 7:42pm.

Ok, my vote is for Rose Rollins. She would be so awesome. She's tough and has a great body. Did anyone see her in Girltrash? that proves it right there. Plus, she's very very hot. My second vote is for that Underworld girl.

Rhona and Portia

Submitted by

lisaR (90 posts)

on January 29, 2009 - 7:59pm.

just thought i would share

I would most like Angelina

Submitted by

hmorsey (89 posts)

on January 30, 2009 - 1:41am.

I would most like Angelina Jolie to reprise her role. That role was made for her and she completely owned it. The first Tomb Raider movie was excellent...one of my favs. Truth be told, I would probably still watch the new ones regardless of the actors and directors...I like powerful female characters...there are just some actresses that would make the movie more enjoyable for me...

Megan Fox

Submitted by

CodeBlue (33 posts)

on February 9, 2009 - 10:25pm.

She's sooo HOT and i think she'd do an awesome job XD

Rhona Mitra as Lara Croft

Submitted by

FlamingLilly (43 posts)

on March 16, 2010 - 7:05am.

Rhona Mitra would be my top choice if Angelina doesn't play. However, I must say that Rhona in her own right will give Angelina a run for her money as Lara Croft. So long as either one of the two plays, I will be first in line at the theatre.

I can't imagine anyone else that could be Lara Croft, others just don't fit the bill. The amount of attitude, athleticism, charisma and masculinity in Lara is not an easy role to fill especially because the recognized Lara in film is Angelina Jolie, who has made a hot reputation for herself. The only actress I see that can overcome Jolie's shadow is Rhona.

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by Karman Kregloe

Lara Croft gets a reboot