Tomb Raider Movie Sequel Gets A Release Date And Director

You haven't seen the last of Lara Croft on the big screen. A sequel to 2018's Tomb Raider starring Alicia Vikander is in the works. While the film is still relatively early in the process and no story details have been revealed, it's being reported that two significant steps have been taken toward the movie becoming a reality.

According to Deadline, MGM has officially dated the film for March 19, 2021, giving those involved over a year to get the Tomb Raider sequel made and ready for theaters. Additionally, the site says Ben Wheatley has been hired to direct the film. Wheatley has the movies Kill List and Free Fire to his name, along with episodes of Doctor Who and Strange Angel.

He's stepping in for Roar Uthaug, who directed the previous film but will not be returning. Joining Wheatley on the next movie is screenwriter Amy Jump and producers Graham King and Elizabeth Cantillon. Naturally, Vikander will be along for the ride reprising her role as Lara Croft.

This will be the fourth Tomb Raider film, but only the second in this particular incarnation. Angelina Jolie played the character in 2001's Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and its 2003 sequel. Vikander's first outing as the character, which was based on the current video game series made $275 million at the worldwide box office and was met with mixed reviews. In his review, GameSpot's Michael Rougeau called it "a pretty good action movie and a better than average video game adaptation," citing "smart story choices and a winning performance from Alicia Vikander."

Production on the Tomb Raider sequel is expected to start in early 2020.