Summary
Netflix’sTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftcontinues the enduring series' story in an all-new format: an anime-inspired TV series. After first debuting in 1996’sTomb Raider, the always-clever and tough-as-nails British archaeologistLara Croft became a pop-cultural sensation nearly overnight. This prompted the first game’s then-developer to churn out a new entry in theTomb Raidersaga on an annual basis. In 2001, the video game icon made the leap to the big screen in the action-adventure flickLara Croft: Tomb Raider, which starred Angelina Jolie as the title character.
Despite tons of main-line and spin-off games, comics, novels, and feature-length movies,Tomb Raider’s popularity waned a bit in the late 2000s. In 2013, video game publisher Square Enix and developer Crystal Dynamics launched the soon-to-be hit,Tomb Raider. A reboot of the series,the 2013Tomb Raidergame served as a brand-new origin story for a younger Lara Croft. With over 14.5 million units sold, the reboot became the best-selling game in the franchise and launched a saga of beloved games known as the Survivor trilogy.
Grey’s Anatomy Star Camilla Luddington Voices Lara Croft In Tomb Raider’s Survivor Trilogy
Luddington Also Provides The Motion Capture Performance For Lara Croft
Any new iteration ofLara Croft will be compared to Angelina Jolie’s live-action portrayal as well as the original games' interpretation of the character. It’s an inevitable reality of taking on such an iconic role. While 2013’sTomb Raideris a masterpiece because so many distinct elements come together beautifully — a compelling story, satisfying gameplay, and engaging design — a huge part of the game’s success stems from Lara Croft herself. In the reboot,the gun-toting, rock-climbing archaeologist is played by Camilla Luddington, whose best-known live-action role isGrey’s Anatomy’s Dr. Jo Wilson.
Luddington went on to voice Lara Croft and provide motion capture for the character in all three Survivor trilogy games.
After appearing in Showtime’sCalifornicationand HBO’sTrue Blood,Luddington began her now 12-year-long stint onGrey’s Anatomyin 2012. Between the medical drama’s 224 episodes, the actor has juggled voice roles, includingTomb Raider’s Lara Croftas well as theJustice League Darkseries' Zatanna andInfinite Crisis' Supergirl. While auditioning for the part of Croft, Camilla Luddington wasn’t aware that the project was related toTomb Raider, making the reveal all-the-more exciting. Luddington went on to voice Lara Croft and provide motion capture for the character in all three Survivor trilogy games.
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Netflix’s Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft Features The Survivor Trilogy’s Version Of The Character
The Animated Series Will Continue The Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy Story Without Luddington
In addition to being set in the officialTomb Raidertimeline,The Legend of Lara Croftcontinues the story that Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics' Survivor trilogy launched in 2013. Instead of thereboot adapting the classicTomb Raidergames,the Survivor trilogy (2013–18) created a more grounded origin story for Lara Croft. Of course, her adventures go on to toe the line between gritty realism and over-the-top supernatural chaos, but Luddington’s lived-in performance helpsTomb Raider,Rise of the Tomb Raider, andShadow of the Tomb Raiderstand apart from run-of-the-mill adventure games.
The Netflix show has also promised to bridge the reboot trilogy with the originalTomb Raidergames…
Netflix’sTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftis clear about being based on theTomb Raidervideo game trilogy by Crystal Dynamics, with the developer even co-producing the series. In addition to being set in the same continuity as the Survivor trilogy of games,The Legend of Lara Croftunfolds after the events chronicled inShadow of the Tomb Raider. As such, it focuses on a slightly older and more experienced Lara Croft. However, the Netflix show has also promised to bridge the reboot trilogy with the originalTomb Raidergames from the 1990s and early 2000s.
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Hayley Atwell Voices Lara Croft In The Netflix Series
The Captain America Actor’s Tomb Raider Casting Is Strategic
The animatedTomb Raiderserieshas found its Lara Croft in Marvel Cinematic Universe star Hayley Atwell. In many ways,Atwell is the perfect Lara Croft casting; there’s no denying the similarities between the headstrong Peggy Carter of theCaptain AmericanandAvengersmovies and the hardened survivor Lara Croft.It’s impossible to know why, exactly, the ever-compelling Luddington isn’t continuing to voice the characterin Netflix’s Survivor trilogy continuation. Of course, while Atwell brings some extra name recognition,The Legend of Lara Croftis coming from a fresh creative team, making its vision distinct from the games.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftis scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 14, 2025.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
This animated series follows the iconic tomb-raider Lara Croft as she embarks on thrilling adventures, exploring ancient civilizations and uncovering hidden secrets. Balancing intellect and physical prowess, Lara navigates treacherous environments and encounters formidable adversaries, all while striving to protect the world’s archaeological treasures.
