Amazon's New 'Tomb Raider' Games and TV Series: A Deep Dive

Unveiling a New Era for Lara Croft: Adventure Awaits!

Amazon's Dual 'Tomb Raider' Game Strategy

Building on the success of its recent James Bond video game, Amazon is committing fully to another celebrated British icon with the upcoming debut of its "Tomb Raider" video game series and an accompanying live-action television show. The initial release will be "Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis," a reimagining of the original 1996 game, set to launch in February 2027. This will be swiftly followed by the ambitious new title, "Tomb Raider: Catalyst," later the same year. While Amazon Games and Crystal Dynamics offered a preview of "Atlantis" at Summer Game Fest, specific details about "Catalyst" beyond its initial plot outline remain largely undisclosed.

Alix Wilton Regan on Embodying Lara Croft

Alix Wilton Regan, the voice actor and performance capture artist behind Lara Croft in both upcoming games, remains tight-lipped about the specifics but assures fans that "Catalyst" will be an extraordinary experience. Regan expresses immense excitement for players to embark on a vast new adventure with Lara, an experience she believes will profoundly impact them, just as it did her when reading the script. She recalls needing an extensive meeting with the writer to discuss the mind-blowing narrative, confident that the game will have a similar effect on its audience.

The Epic Scale of 'Catalyst'

When "Catalyst" was first announced last December, Amazon described it as a groundbreaking direction for the series, depicting Lara Croft's new journey across Northern India. The game's narrative unfolds in the aftermath of a mythological cataclysm, which has unveiled ancient mysteries and awakened dormant mystical forces. Lara must race against time to uncover the truth behind this event while simultaneously thwarting notorious treasure hunters who have converged on the region.

A Double Role: Balancing Two Lara Crofts

Regan initially joined the project without realizing she would be portraying Lara in not one, but two new "Tomb Raider" games. She began recording for both titles in late 2024, approximately two years after her casting in August 2022. This simultaneous production schedule highlighted the significant scale of the undertaking, confirming her central role in the franchise's revival.

The "Tomb Raider" Universe Expands

The release of these "Tomb Raider" video games coincides with Amazon's production of a new live-action "Tomb Raider" TV series, starring Sophie Turner. Regan enthusiastically predicts the series will be "fantastic," further expanding the iconic character's presence across different media.

Crafting Lara's Character: 'Atlantis' vs. 'Catalyst'

Regan confirms she adopted distinct approaches for Lara's portrayal in the two games. In "Atlantis," she aimed for a slightly younger, more naive, and innocent Lara, logically preceding the events of "Catalyst" and other games. This version reflects a Lara who has experienced the "Survivor" trilogy but retains a more wide-eyed perspective, having not yet encountered the full breadth of experiences awaiting her.

Drawing Inspiration from Lara's Legacy

The development team emphasized a return to classic Lara Croft, drawing significant inspiration from the first three "Tomb Raider" games and Angelina Jolie's film interpretations. This includes incorporating Lara's characteristic wit, sharp intellect, and dry British humor. Regan also studied Camilla Luddington's portrayal in the "Survivor" trilogy, recognizing it as the immediate predecessor to where "Atlantis" begins.

The Two Lara Crofts: A Shared Journey

Regan reveals that she and Sophie Turner, who portrays Lara Croft in the TV series, have indeed spoken about their shared role. Knowing each other socially from London, Regan found herself under an NDA while recording her games, even as Turner's casting was announced first. After her own announcement at the Game Awards in 2025, Regan received permission to contact Turner, who responded with an ecstatic, all-caps text message expressing her surprise and delight.

Navigating Different Formats: Games vs. TV

Regan has not discussed her interpretation of Lara with Sophie Turner, deeming it inappropriate and unfair given Turner's immersion in developing her own character. However, Regan expresses full confidence in the TV series, citing the talents of Sophie Turner and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. For her own portrayal in the games, Regan consciously addresses the fundamental differences between interactive video games and passive television. She aims to keep her Lara grounded, strong, charismatic, and charming, allowing players to feel empowered and engaged as the protagonist. This approach ensures a familiar yet exciting experience for long-time fans, while also offering an immersive and dynamic adventure for newcomers, with initial feedback consistently highlighting the "fun" aspect of the game.