The Definitive List Of Actors Who Played Lara Croft: From Angelina Jolie To The New Amazon Star

The legacy of Lara Croft, the world's most famous archaeologist and adventurer, continues to evolve on screen and in games, making the question of "Who is the real Lara Croft?" a constant topic of debate. As of today, December 18, 2025, the franchise is undergoing one of its biggest transformations yet, with a new live-action series and a change in the iconic voice behind the character, proving that this British heroine remains a powerhouse of modern cinema and gaming.

The role of Lara Croft is one of the most coveted in Hollywood, demanding a unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and charisma. While the original video game character was introduced in 1996, the live-action films cemented her as a global icon. Below is a deep dive into the actors who have brought the legendary Tomb Raider to life, including the latest, most surprising casting announcements for the future of the franchise.

The Live-Action Lara Crofts: Film & Television Stars

The live-action portrayals of Lara Croft are split between two distinct cinematic eras: the original blockbuster films and the grittier, rebooted origin story. Each actress brought a unique interpretation to the role, shaping the public's perception of the adventurer.

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Angelina Jolie (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 2001 & The Cradle of Life, 2003)

Angelina Jolie was the first actress to bring Lara Croft to the big screen, defining the character for a generation. Her portrayal leaned into the character's aristocratic background, confidence, and over-the-top action, perfectly capturing the spirit of the early video games.

• Films: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003).
• Key Supporting Cast (2001): Jon Voight (Lord Richard Croft), Iain Glen (Manfred Powell), Noah Taylor (Bryce), Daniel Craig (Alex West), and Chris Barrie (Hillary).
• Key Supporting Cast (2003): Gerard Butler (Terry Sheridan), Ciarán Hinds (Jonathan Reiss), and Djimon Hounsou (Kosa).
• Recent Career Updates: Jolie continues to be a major force in cinema. Her recent and upcoming projects include the French drama *Couture*, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, the dark survival thriller *The Last Day* alongside Charlie Plummer, and portraying the famed opera singer Maria Callas in the biopic *Maria*. She is also slated to return to action with *Sunny* in 2026 and is attached to the third installment of the *Maleficent* series.

Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider, 2018)

Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander took on the role for the 2018 reboot, which was heavily inspired by the "Survivor Trilogy" of video games. Her Lara was a grounded, more vulnerable, and physically enduring character, focusing on her journey from a bike courier to a seasoned adventurer.

• Film: Tomb Raider (2018).
• Key Supporting Cast: Dominic West (Lord Richard Croft), Walton Goggins (Mathias Vogel), Daniel Wu (Lu Ren), and Kristin Scott Thomas (Ana Miller).
• Recent Career Updates: Vikander remains highly active in prestige cinema. Her recent work includes the historical drama *Firebrand* (2024). She has several films in development, including *Origin of Species* (TBA), *The Last Day*, *Hope*, and *The Wizard of the Kremlin*.

Sophie Turner (Upcoming Prime Video Series)

The most significant and recent casting news is the announcement of a new live-action *Tomb Raider* series for Amazon Prime Video, moving the franchise to the small screen. This new adaptation features a major star and a celebrated writer, signaling a fresh, high-budget direction for the IP.

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• Project: Untitled *Tomb Raider* TV Series (Amazon Prime Video).
• Role: Lara Croft.
• Key Creative Team: The series is being written and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creative force behind *Fleabag* and *Killing Eve*.
• Further Cast Details: Reports have also indicated that Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver is in talks to join the cast, which would add immense star power and gravitas to the ensemble.
• Recent Career Updates: Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in *Game of Thrones*, is also promoting her new show *Joan*, which marks her first major project in two years outside of the *Tomb Raider* announcement.

The Voices of Lara Croft: Video Game Actors

No discussion of the actors in *Tomb Raider* is complete without acknowledging the voice actors who have defined Lara Croft's persona and dialogue for millions of gamers. The voice is arguably as iconic as the braid and the dual pistols.

The Original Era Voices (1996–2008)

The early games featured a rotating cast of voice talent that established Lara's distinct, plummy British accent and adventurous tone.

• Shelley Blond: She was the very first voice of Lara Croft in the original Tomb Raider (1996).
• Judith Gibbins: Voiced Lara for Tomb Raider II and Tomb Raider III.
• Jonell Elliott: Took over the role for Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and The Angel of Darkness.

The Survivor Trilogy and Beyond (2013–Present)

The 2013 reboot ushered in the "Survivor Trilogy," giving Lara a younger, more emotionally resonant voice that tracked her development from a novice survivor to the legendary Tomb Raider.

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• Camilla Luddington: The longest-serving voice actor, she portrayed Lara in the entire Survivor Trilogy: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). Her performance is widely credited with revitalizing the character for a modern audience.
• Alix Wilton Regan: In the most recent update to the voice role, Camilla Luddington passed the baton to Alix Wilton Regan, who takes on the iconic role for the upcoming title, *Tomb Raider: Catalyst*. This casting decision marks a new era for the video game franchise, continuing the tradition of evolving the character's voice to match new narratives.

Topical Authority: The Expanding Tomb Raider Universe

The casting news for the Amazon Prime Video series and the new video game voice actor highlights a major push to expand the *Tomb Raider* universe into a cohesive, multi-platform franchise. The involvement of high-profile names like Phoebe Waller-Bridge signals a serious investment in the character's future, aiming for critical acclaim beyond the typical video game adaptation tropes.

The shift to a television series, rather than a direct film sequel, allows for deeper character exploration and more time to develop the relationships between Lara and key entities like her father, Lord Richard Croft, and her allies, such as Bryce and Hillary from the original films, or Lu Ren from the 2018 reboot. The excitement surrounding Sophie Turner's casting reflects Hollywood's continued fascination with adapting powerful female protagonists from the gaming world, positioning the new show as a major competitor in the streaming wars.

From Angelina Jolie's high-octane action star to Alicia Vikander's grounded survivor, and now to Sophie Turner's new-generation adventurer, the role of Lara Croft continues to be a mirror reflecting the evolution of female roles in cinema. The combined efforts of the film, television, and gaming studios ensure that the Tomb Raider's adventures—and the actors who embody her—will remain a central part of pop culture for years to come.