She has been the apple of many gamers’ eyes since the 90’s. Lara Croft’s short-shorts and ample assets have been the object of affection for gaming fans for years. After much deliberation and waiting, we recently learned that there had been some progress on the development of a reboot of the Tomb Raider films, but who will play the lead role?
In the 2001 and 2003 adaptations of the computer game, Angelina Jolie donned the gun belt to take on the role of Lara Croft. For the upcoming film, set for release in 2017, a number of young female actresses have been rumoured. Olivia Wilde was one of them, however, she quickly denied the claims. There were also rumours that Angelina Jolie wanted to reprise the role, however, these rumours were revealed as false.
Here are some of our top picks to take on the gun-toting, ponytail-whipping role:
6. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway as Catwoman
Although her English accent in ”One Day” was a little hit and miss, there is no denying Anne Hathaway‘s charm and allure. Her portrayal of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises was exceptional, with many skills that are transferrable to the role of Lara, and she demonstrates an understanding of how to portray a feisty, sassy femme fatale. We have no doubt that she could pull off the upper class tone that comes with Lara, but can she effectively undertake the hardy, independent fighter that lies beneath the accent?
5. Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan made her name in the period drama Atonement, however, since then her portrayal in films such as Hanna have shown she may be a viable candidate for the role of Lara Croft. Ronan has shown that she can get dirty and fight her own fight. The downside is that her characters always have an innocence, a vulnerability that may not be feasible for the strong character of Lara. In Hanna she could fight with the best of them, but there is always an underlying fear and anxiety. Is she strong enough to portray Lara? We are unsure.
4. Summer Glau
Summer Glau is a firm favourite of many comic book and science-fiction fans, having played River in Firefly and Serenity, as well as taking on the lead role in The Sarah Connor Chronicles. There is no doubt that Glau can hold her own in terms of action, and she will definitely draw the crowds in terms of geek fan base. She can fight, she can portray attitude, but can she portray the aristocratic background of Lara? Can she effectively portray a British accent?
3. Chloe Moretz
Chloe Moretz has developed into a force to be reckoned with. She has gumption up to the eye balls and has no qualms holding her own in a fight scene or shedding a tear in an emotional drama scene. Yet it is all to easy to forget how young Moretz is. Despite her ballsy performance as Hit Girl in the Kick Ass films, she may well be too young to portray the more mature and established character of Lara Croft.
2. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is best known for playing the revolutionary leader Katniss in The Hunger Games franchise. The role has cemented her abilities as an action girl, and her off-screen sass makes us think she will make her a fantastic Lara Croft. She has demonstrated that both in character and out of character she has an honest strength that would bring a lot to the role of Lara Croft. As with Summer Glau, she will bring with her a huge fan base, though they will be young girls and teenage boys.
1. Gemma Arterton
Being born in Kent, Gemma Arterton should have no issues with the accent, and it has to be said her ‘look’ suits the traditional look of Lara Croft. The star has demonstrated her ability to hold her own in a fight with her physical abilities in films such as Byzantium, Prince of Persia and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. Aside from that, she also has the ability to utilise emotions in dramatic scenes, such as in Gemma Bovery, and she has shown audiences her ability to bring class to the role within Quantum of Solace. Is she the whole package for the role? It would appear she is the closest thing to it out there.
There are any number of other actresses that would probably fit the role, but these are our top 6. The current reports regarding plot suggest that the film will take a darker twist and focus on Lara Croft’s origins. Following her on her first archaeological expedition, Lara must use her strength and skill to survive a cult and unlock the secrets that surround her mysterious beginnings.
Would this film suit the science-fiction star Summer Glau? Or the already-experienced action stars Jennifer Lawrence or Gemma Arterton? Maybe the charm and proven acting ability of Anne Hathaway would fit in with the roots of Lara Croft? Or would the younger Lara need a younger actress such as Chloe Moretz?
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