Daisy Ridley Wants to Be Your Tomb Raider

The last time the pilot of the Millennium Falcon career-transitioned into archaeology, it worked out pretty well for everyone involved. Now it appears that it’s happening again. Daisy Ridley, the breakout star of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is in talks to take over the title role in Tomb Raider, the upcoming adaptation of the popular video game series.

The rumor began nearly two weeks ago, when Deadline reported that Ridley was “one of a number of actresses being considered” for the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot. As a news story it was laughable, since anyone who has ever worked behind the scenes knows that the actors/actresses being considered for any major role are essentially anyone who looks the part, is already famous and/or just appeared in another hit movie. There was no evidence to suggest that she had even taken a meeting about it. The studio just seemed to be aware that she was just in Star Wars and looked a bit like Lara Croft.

Square Enix

Also: Disney Announces ‘Indiana Jones 5’ in 2019

But this is a little different: Daisy Ridley has told Hollywood Reporter that there “have been conversations” about her taking over the role (previously played by Angelina Jolie in 2001 and 2003, and by Chanel Preston in Tomb Raider XXX in 2012). “I’m waiting for someone to say ‘I want you, let’s do it,’” she continued, before pointing out that the film doesn’t even have a script yet. 

So although this is not set in stone, and indeed the film may not even go into production at all (since who the hell knows at this point), the possibility is there and the precedent has been set. The Star Wars movies may be successful but they aren’t usually a golden ticket for the actors who bring them to life. Most of the franchise’s major stars go on to successful careers but they are often overshadowed by their association with Star Wars. Harrison Ford bucked that trend by starring in a second iconic franchise, the blockbuster Indiana Jones franchise, and eventually a third hit series in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan movies. 

It would appear that Daisy Ridley is paying attention, and learning from history… just like an archaeologist is supposed to do.

 


William Bibbiani (everyone calls him ‘Bibbs’) is Crave’s film content editor and critic. You can hear him every week on The B-Movies Podcast and watch him on the weekly YouTube series Most Craved and What the Flick. Follow his rantings on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.

10 Mythical Artifacts Indiana Jones Hasn’t Discovered Yet:

Top Photo: Disney / LucasFilm

TRENDING


X