MGM loses the rights to produce the 'Tomb Raider' film franchise after it failed to greenlight a sequel to the 2018 movie until May of this year, sparking a bidding war in Hollywood.
- Jul 29, 2022
AceShowbiz - Alicia Vikander's tenure as Lara Croft is apparently a short one. The actress won't likely return for another "Tomb Raider" movie as the franchise is expected to get a complete reboot after MGM exit.
MGM, the previous company to obtain the rights to the popular video game, no longer holds the rights to produce the "Tomb Raider" film franchise. The company had until May 2022 to greenlight a sequel to their 2018 "Tomb Raider" film, but failed to do so.
The rights have now returned to producer Graham King and his GK Films which is now shopping the rights, starting a bidding war in Hollywood, according to TheWrap which first reported the news. A host of studios have shown their interest in the property and put in the bids, the outlet further said. Whoever nabs the rights will be creating another complete reboot of the story with an entirely new creative team and recasting the lead role.
The first movie adaptation of the video game series was an international co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. Titled "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", the 2001 film starred Angelina Jolie as the titular character. The movie was a box office success, grossing a total of $274 million worldwide. It spawned a sequel, "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life", which was released in 2003 but failed to repeat the financial success of its predecessor.
Vikander later took the baton in the 2018 reboot, which was directed by Roar Uthaug. It grossed $274 million worldwide, the same as the 2001 film, although it needed to gross at least $275 million to break even.
A sequel to that movie had been in the works since 2019 with Vikander set to return. "Lovecraft Country" showrunner Misha Green was once attached to write and direct. MGM even had a release date, March 2021, for the movie, but that has fallen apart.
