7 Shocking New Developments That Prove Lara Croft's Tomb Raider Era Is Just Beginning

Lara Croft, the iconic British archaeologist, is not just returning—she is embarking on the biggest, most ambitious era in the *Tomb Raider* franchise's history. As of today, December 14, 2025, the franchise is experiencing a massive resurgence across video games, streaming series, and animation, with major announcements that redefine the character for a new generation. The recent reveals at The Game Awards 2025 and streaming platform updates confirm that the next few years will deliver a fresh, unified vision for the legendary adventurer. This article dives deep into the seven most significant, up-to-the-minute developments shaping the future of *Tomb Raider*, from two massive new video game titles to the casting of a new live-action Lara Croft. The 30th anniversary of the franchise is being celebrated with a content explosion that fans have been waiting decades for.

Lara Croft: Official Biography and Profile

Lara Croft is more than just a video game character; she is a global icon of adventure, intelligence, and resilience. Her character profile has seen minor retcons across the decades, but the core identity remains consistent: a highly skilled, aristocratic adventurer driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to uncover the world's greatest mysteries. The original Core Design biography established her as the daughter of Lord Henshingly Croft, born on February 14, 1977, in Wimbledon, Surrey. Her aristocratic upbringing, complete with butlers and a privileged education, was shattered by a life-changing event—often a plane crash—that ignited her passion for survival and archaeology. The Crystal Dynamics reboot trilogy (starting in 2013) presented a younger, less experienced Lara, aged 21, who was recently graduated and forced to fight for survival on the island of Yamatai. This version focused on her transformation from a survivor into the seasoned Tomb Raider.

Key Biographical Details (Classic & Reboot Unified)

• Full Name: Lara Croft
• Nationality: British
• Birth Date: February 14, 1977 (Classic Era)
• Birthplace: Wimbledon, Surrey
• Occupation: Archaeologist, Adventurer
• Parents: Lord Henshingly Croft (Core Design) or Lord Richard Croft (Crystal Dynamics)
• Signature Traits: Dual Pistols, Intelligence, Athleticism, Fearless Determination

The Two New Tomb Raider Games: Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis

The biggest news dominating the *Tomb Raider* landscape is the announcement of two major video game titles, both published by Amazon Games and developed by the franchise veterans at Crystal Dynamics. These titles are set to define the next generation of action-adventure gaming.

1. Tomb Raider: Catalyst (New Mainline Adventure)

*Tomb Raider: Catalyst* is the next big chapter for the franchise and an all-new adventure for Lara Croft. This game is highly anticipated as it is expected to unify the timelines, blending the seasoned, self-assured Lara from the classic games with the grounded character development from the reboot trilogy. The game is scheduled for release in 2027 and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5 (PS5), and Xbox Series X|S. The reveal at The Game Awards 2025 confirmed that this title aims to bring back the "charismatic, self-assured, formidable Lara Croft" that made her a lasting global icon. *Catalyst* is positioned as a fresh start, moving beyond the survivor narrative and focusing on Lara as a confident and experienced Tomb Raider.

2. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (1996 Classic Reimagined)

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the *Tomb Raider* franchise, Crystal Dynamics is also developing *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis*. This title is a complete "reimagining" of Lara Croft's first adventure from the 1996 classic. Scheduled for release in 2026, *Legacy of Atlantis* will introduce the original adventure to a modern audience, utilizing next-generation graphics and gameplay mechanics. This move demonstrates a clear strategy by Amazon Games and Crystal Dynamics to honor the franchise's deep history while setting up the future with *Catalyst*. The simultaneous development of a remake and a new mainline entry ensures both nostalgic fans and new players have something to look forward to.

The Massive Expansion Across Film and Streaming

Lara Croft's future is not limited to video games. The character is set to dominate the streaming landscape with a highly-anticipated live-action series and the conclusion of her animated saga.

3. Sophie Turner is the New Live-Action Lara Croft

The search for the next actress to embody the iconic archaeologist is over. It was recently confirmed that Sophie Turner, known for her roles in *Game of Thrones* and *X-Men*, will take on the mantle of Lara Croft in the upcoming live-action *Tomb Raider* series. The Amazon Prime Video series is being produced by the acclaimed writer and director Phoebe Waller-Bridge. While initial reports suggested filming might begin in 2025, more recent updates indicate that the live-action series is slated to begin filming in 2026. Fans are eager to see how Turner's portrayal, under Waller-Bridge's creative direction, will bring a fresh psychological depth and modern sensibility to the character.

4. The Final Season of the Netflix Anime Series

The animated side of the *Tomb Raider* universe reached its conclusion with the premiere of its second and final season. *Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft* Season 2 premiered on Netflix on December 11, 2025. The anime, animated by Powerhouse Animation Studios, bridges the gap between the reboot trilogy (*Shadow of the Tomb Raider*) and the unified timeline being established in the new games. The series features the voice of Hayley Atwell as Lara Croft, and its conclusion just days before this article marks a significant milestone, clearing the slate for the new live-action and video game eras.

5. The Unification of the Timelines

A key theme across all these announcements is the *unification* of the *Tomb Raider* timelines. For years, fans have debated the classic, Core Design era Lara versus the reboot, Crystal Dynamics era Lara. The new projects, particularly *Tomb Raider: Catalyst*, are explicitly designed to merge these two identities into a single, definitive version of the character. This unified Lara Croft is expected to possess the emotional depth and survival skills of the reboot while embracing the confidence, globetrotting scale, and dual-pistol swagger of the original. This is a monumental undertaking that promises to satisfy both long-time fans and those who joined the franchise during the 2013 reboot.

6. The 30th Anniversary Celebration

The sheer volume of new content is directly tied to the *Tomb Raider* franchise's 30th anniversary. This milestone is not just a moment for nostalgia but a launchpad for the future. The simultaneous release of a classic reimagining (*Legacy of Atlantis*) and a brand-new adventure (*Catalyst*) is the ultimate anniversary gift, solidifying the franchise's place as a cornerstone of action-adventure entertainment.

7. Amazon Games' Commitment to the Franchise

The involvement of Amazon Games as the publisher for both *Tomb Raider: Catalyst* and *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis* signals a massive, long-term financial and creative commitment to Lara Croft. This partnership with Crystal Dynamics ensures the new games have the resources necessary to compete with other AAA titles like *Uncharted*. The Amazon ecosystem also includes the Prime Video series, creating a seamless, interconnected multimedia universe for Lara Croft that rivals any major Hollywood franchise. This strategic alignment is perhaps the most significant long-term development for the future of the Tomb Raider IP.