Discover how classic and modern Lara Croft tropes intertwine in Netflix’s new Tomb Raider series
Lara Croft, the iconic name that resounded on television in the 90s, is back, but this time the canvas of her adventure is none other than Netflix. In an intriguing twist that blends the old with the new, the “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” series promises to revive the heroine like never before.
Exploring two canons in one
Since Lara Croft first appeared on the PlayStation 1, she has been synonymous with boldness and adventure. Known for her unerring skill and confidence, Lara has not only conquered mazes and vanquished adversaries, but has also defied expectations of gender roles in video games. However, the Lara Croft we’ll see on Netflix is not simply a recreation of the heroine we all know.
In a bold move, the series picks up right where the “Survivor” trilogy left off, specifically following the events of 2018’s “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” with showrunner Tasha Huo sharing how the series aims to be a bridge between the Lara veterans know and the one reintroduced in the newer games.
A journey through the ages
The key to the new story is exploring Lara’s untold, middle arcs. “I had all the canon in my head, because we came from the Survivor series, so you had to honor who she was. [Lara Croft] in those games,” Huo explained. This delicate balance between honoring her past and weaving her future is central to the series’ narrative.
Lara’s journey in the “Survivor” trilogy showed her overcoming her fears and vulnerabilities, an almost vicarious experience for players. Now, the Netflix series charts her evolution into the intrepid ‘90s adventurer, incorporating a lighter, more fun tone, something Huo is keen to point out.
Relationships That Define a Heroine
Beyond the adventures and puzzles, an intriguing aspect of the series is the way it delves into Lara’s relationships. Unlike the video games, where Lara is often portrayed as a lone wolf, the series explores her connection to others. “She’s so lonely in the games,” Huo notes, “but you have to think she cares about people.”
This new aspect is explored when Lara, played by Hayley Atwell, returns from her adventures in “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” only to find herself faced with the theft of a valuable artifact from Croft Manor. This event not only drives the plot, but also serves as a catalyst to explore how Lara, as such a powerful and independent figure, relates to and influences those around her.
From Video Game Icon to Netflix Star
The Evolution of Lara Croft It’s been remarkable, from its first appearances in the ’90s to its latest reboot on the streaming platform. Netflix is not only trying to revive the heroinebut also contextualizes her transformation into a more three-dimensional and complex character. This new adaptation presents itself as an opportunity to fully explore Lara’s character and psychology, elements that are often mentioned but rarely developed in depth in games.
Comparatively, Lara Croft has remained one of the most influential female figures in video game culture.comparable to other iconic characters like Ellie from “The Last of Us” or Aloy from “Horizon Zero Dawn.” These heroines share not only the ability to survive and thrive in hostile environments, but also the ability to inspire and evolve within their respective franchises. The Netflix series has the challenge and opportunity to take Lara to a new level of cultural influence.
The series “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” has its premiere marked on the calendar for October 10 on Netflix. This reboot promises to be not only an emotional journey through the life of Lara Croft, but also a celebration of how a character can evolve while maintaining the essence of what fans have always loved about her, adapting to new generations and narratives. With this series, Netflix seeks not only to capture the essence of a legend, but also to create one.