Oscar Winning Actress Alicia Vikander has been announced as playing action heroine Lara Croft in an upcoming rebooted adaptation of the best selling video game series Tomb Raider.
The character was first played on screen by Angelina Jolie, who made two Tomb Raider films for Paramount, which were moderate commercial successes, but flopped with the critics (Though most praised Jolie’s portrayal of the well loved character!)
The Tomb Raider games have sold over 35 million units across the world, meaning that the Swedish actress won the top spot in one of Hollywoods most coveted leading roles, nabbing the titular role in one of the most long awaited, eagerly anticipated films currently in production.
Though it was previously reported that Star Wars star Daisy Ridley was in contention for the role, Alicia’s recent Oscar success for her role in The Danish Girl, as well as critically acclaimed performances in the 2015 films The Man From UNCLE and Ex Machina made her, sources say, “First choice” for the film makers.
The announcement of her casting was reportedly delayed as both Vikander and the studios MGM and Warner Brother were awaiting the latest draft of the films script.
Alicia will be joined by fellow Scandinavian Roar Uthaug, who is set to direct the film.
As with 2015, Vikander will be seen on screen many times this year, in films such as Tulip Fever, The Oceans Between Us and the new Jason Borne film.
Though she has had a pretty successful career so far, both critically and commercially, this is undeniable her most high profile role yet, and we can’t wait to see what she does with it!
What do you think of Alicia Vikander’s casting as Lara Croft? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix, or in the comments below!