By TechTalesLeo, Digital Tech Explorer
After years of speculation, Amazon Prime Video officially unveiled plans in May 2024 for a new TV series inspired by the iconic Tomb Raider video game franchise. The project garnered significant attention with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, celebrated for her work on Fleabag and Killing Eve, attached as writer and executive producer. Waller-Bridge shared her personal connection to the material, stating, “Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.”
Uncertain Future: Cancellation Rumors and Production Hurdles
However, the series’ ambitious journey now faces considerable uncertainty. The Daily Mail recently reported, citing an insider, that Lara Croft’s anticipated small-screen adaptation is “not going ahead.” Another source bluntly claimed the project is “dead.” As of this report, neither Prime Video nor representatives for Phoebe Waller-Bridge have officially commented on these concerning claims.
This isn’t the first instance of troubling news surrounding the production. Earlier reports suggested that Waller-Bridge’s scripts encountered significant delays and were ultimately deemed unsuitable for the intended direction of the series. It’s worth noting that Prime Video had secured Waller-Bridge under a substantial exclusivity deal in 2019, reportedly valued at $20 million annually, though no projects have yet emerged from this high-profile partnership.
The Tomb Raider television venture was initially greenlit and personally championed by Jennifer Salke, who, until recently, headed Amazon Studios. In 2023, Salke highlighted Waller-Bridge’s deep connection to the franchise: “[Waller-Bridge] grew up playing Lara Croft/Tomb Raider. We think it’s going to be a huge franchise for us.”
Adding to the complexity, Matthew Belloni of Puck, in an article discussing Salke’s tenure at Amazon, described the Tomb Raider situation as a “huge mess.” Belloni elaborated, “Tomb Raider, which Waller-Bridge has been working on and which Salke was personally overseeing after announcing a series pickup last May, has now gone through two writers rooms and tens of millions of dollars in development costs. There’s still no script.” These significant developmental challenges have cast a serious shadow over the series’ prospects.
Official Status and Other Tomb Raider Ventures
Despite these unsettling reports, it’s crucial to note that Amazon has not officially confirmed the cancellation of the Tomb Raider series. In the meantime, fans of the adventurous archaeologist have other developments to follow. A new Tomb Raider game is currently in development by franchise veterans Crystal Dynamics. This upcoming title is being built on Unreal Engine 5 and promises to deliver “mind-bending puzzles” and a “wide variety of enemies.” It is being heralded as “a new chapter [in] Lara Croft’s story,” though a release date remains unannounced. At least this gaming project appears to be (most likely) progressing.
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About the Author
TechTalesLeo is a dynamic storyteller and tech enthusiast dedicated to bringing technology to life through captivating narratives and engaging content. With a robust background in digital media and a keen eye on tech trends, TechTalesLeo delivers insightful tech stories, detailed analyses, and practical tips. Discover more articles by TechTalesLeo on Digital Tech Explorer, your trusted source for the latest in technology.
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