“Tomb Raider” Film Sequel Stalled By Politics

While 2013’s reboot of the “Tomb Raider” game series was a resounding critical success, the 2018 film loosely inspired by it wasn’t so much. The Alicia Vikander-led film did a solid $274.7 million off a $90-100 million budget, but reception was mixed.

Even so, there’s been talk of a sequel for a while that originally had Ben Wheatley attached to direct. Then things were on hold due to the pandemic, followed by Wheatley exiting and “Lovecraft Country” director Misha Green signing onboard in eary 2021 to pen and direct.

Things took another turn in mid-2021 when Amazon bought MGM and with it the rights to the “Tomb Raider” film franchise. Talking to EW this week, Vikander says things haven’t moved since the buyout with the project left in limbo:

“With the MGM and Amazon buyout, I have no clue. Now it’s kind of politics. I think [writer Misha Green, who also worked on HBO’s Lovecraft County] and I have been ready, so it’s kind of in somebody else’s hands, to be honest. I’ve been excited to show the world. I love what she’s done with Lovecraft County.”

Kristin Scott Thomas was also linked to the project at one point, but for now, it’s not clear when or even if it will move forward.