Tomb Raider (2018) Heading to HBO Max After Adaptation Undergoes Major Setback

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The franchise recently faced a concerning setback when star Sophie Turner (known for Game of Thrones and Dark Phoenix) injured her back. Initially, there were fears she’d be sidelined for weeks or even months, but thankfully, doctors now expect her recovery to be quicker than first thought.

Fans are finding ways to enjoy Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider stories. The continued popularity of the franchise led to the 2018 film being added to HBO Max.

Vikander, like Turner before her, faced a tough challenge: following Angelina Jolie’s iconic performance as Tomb Raider. Jolie’s portrayal was so well-received that it set a very high bar for anyone taking on the role afterward.

Tomb Raider (2018) Is Heading to HBO Max

Angelina Jolie first appeared as the famous video game character Lara Croft in the 2001 film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Due to the success of the first movie and Jolie’s popularity, she returned to play Lara Croft in the 2003 sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life.

Fifteen years later, a new attempt to bring the story to life on the big screen proved more successful with critics than Angelina Jolie’s version. Alicia Vikander’s performance received a 52% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which, while not stellar, was significantly better than Jolie’s 21% – critics simply weren’t as enthusiastic about the earlier film despite positive audience reception.

The movie generally moved along smoothly, and Walton Goggins gave a fantastic performance, but it wasn’t quite strong enough to warrant a follow-up.

What’s the Latest on Sophie Turner’s Tomb Raider?

With a budget exceeding $275 million, Turner is focused on getting the production back on track and delivering a film that surpasses its previous installments. Her biggest challenge will be earning the same level of critical and public appreciation for Lara Croft and Tomb Raider that the video games have long enjoyed.

People expecting Alison Turner to play up Lara Croft’s sex appeal will probably be surprised.

Turner explained to the LA Times that she wants to focus on the character’s personality and motivations, not just her appearance, which is what many fans admire. She emphasized that the character is powerfully competent and doesn’t shy away from showcasing her abilities.

The new Tomb Raider movie was originally planned for release in late 2026, but an injury is likely to delay it until early or mid-2027—possibly even 2028. The situation is still uncertain, even though filming started in January 2026. The 2018 Tomb Raider film will be available to stream on HBO Max starting May 1st.

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2026-04-28 02:06