‘Huntsman’ Screenwriter Will Pen The ‘Tomb Raider’ Reboot; Warner Bros. Joins MGM On Project

It’s interesting to see the studio’s zeal to get the “Tomb Raider” series back off the ground given that it was never very good, never well received, nor the massive success it might have been (though it did do well). The combined domestic total by the franchise back in 2003 was $196 million — “The Hunger Games” more than doubled that figure at home with ‘Catching Fire.’ And while “Tomb Raider” lost its momentum fast — the sequel, ‘The Cradle of Life,’ was a big disappointment that only grossed $156 million worldwide and less than $70 million at home, studios have been clamoring for more ever since. Why?

Because a global total of $430 million for both films was pretty good and those with rose-tinted glasses perhaps remember things with a bit more nostalgia. And maybe “The Hunger Games” analogy isn’t a bad one. While “Tomb Raider” isn’t in the young-adult science fiction realm that does so well these days, audiences really crave action-adventure tentpoles lead by young women. Plus by now, "Tomb Raider" is a media franchise. What began as video games is now comic books, novels, theme park rides, and yes, potentially more movies. One can argue the reason that MGM, now teaming-up with Warner Bros. on the upcoming reboot, have been so gung-ho for another round since ‘Cradle Of Life’ bombed, is they realize it’s a missed opportunity and a brand that needs to be done right.

Imagine someone walking in with a pitch that says they envision something like a mix between “Indiana Jones,” the grrrl power of “Hunger Games,” and the hi-tech gadgetry of say, James Bond? Hey, if I were a studio exec, that wouldn’t feel like such a gamble.

So maybe it isn’t for MGM and Warner. They’ve hired Evan Daugherty (“Snow White & The Huntsman, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Divergent”) to pen the script for the movie that is apparently on the fast-track and will feature a new, younger Laura Croft. That part you figured out — Angelina Jolie ain’t coming back, but there are plenty of rising young actresses who could easily take the role. Let us know your suggestions below.