Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is an upcoming American animated action-adventure drama based on the renowned video game series developed by Crystal Dynamics. Hayley Atwell, known for her roles in the MCU and Mission Impossible, will lend her voice to the iconic character Lara Croft. The narrative unfolds in the same timeline as the video game reboot trilogy, providing a cohesive storytelling experience.
The animation duties for the series are entrusted to Powerhouse Animation Studios, a Texas-based studio that revealed its involvement in 2021 alongside another project, a Skull Island anime. Tomb Raider joins the ranks of numerous Netflix adaptations of popular video games, with the franchise’s inception dating back to 1996. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, Tomb Raider boasts a legacy comprising 17 video games and three movies, featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft in two of them: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and The Cradle of Life.
The creative minds behind Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft include writer Tasha Huo and director Joro Soloway. Noteworthy collaborations have formed between Legendary Television, Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics, Tractor Pants, and DJ2 Entertainment, with executive producers such as Stephan Vladimir Bugaj, Howard K. Bliss, Jacob Robinson, Dmitri M. Johnson, and others contributing to the production.
As for the plot, initial descriptions hinted at a Japanese action series with a road trip adventure. However, an updated summary on Netflix’s website now reveals that the animated series picks up after the events of the Tomb Raider videogame Survivor trilogy. This trilogy, spanning 2013’s Tomb Raider, 2015’s Rise of the Tomb Raider, and 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider, sets the stage for Lara Croft’s continued global adventures, showcasing her evolution into the iconic tomb raider she is destined to become.
While Netflix has yet to disclose the official release date, a preview video suggests a 2024 launch. Hayley Atwell, the voice actor for Lara Croft, hinted at a potential summer release in 2024. Fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of Lara Croft’s journey in this highly anticipated animated series.