Phoebe Waller-Bridge set for new series based on iconic video game franchise

Virgin Radio

15 May 2024, 08:28

Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge is set to write and executive produce a TV adaptation of one of the all-time most popular video games.

Prime Video has ordered an adaptation of Tomb Raider, a massive game franchise which follows the adventures of archaeologist Lara Croft, who goes on adventures around the world searching for lost artefacts. Casting for the series has yet to be announced.

Phoebe is no stranger to archaeologist-based action and adventure narratives, having starred in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. In a statement following the announcement that she would be writing the latest incarnation of Lara Croft, she said: “If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she'd explode. Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can't wait to go on this adventure. Bats 'n all."

Amazon MGM Studios chief Jennifer Salke added: “Phoebe has a lifelong love affair with Lara Croft and as soon and very soon we'll start the worldwide search for who will play this iconic role and I just can't wait.”

News of Phoebe taking on the Tomb Raider project comes as she features in John Krasinski's new family movie IF, alongside the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming and Fiona Shaw.

The Tomb Raider game franchise has shifted more than 95 million copies and has previously been turned into various movies. Angelina Jolie famously played the titular character in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and the sequel Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, was released in 2003. In 2018, Alicia Vikander starred in another film, simply called Tomb Raider.

Prime Video has also recently released another video game adaptation, Fallout, and its success was such that a second season has been ordered.

As yet, there is no release date for Prime Video’s Tomb Raider.