Today sees the release of the new and improved Lara Croft. Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider is a reboot of the enduring character, introducing a 17-year-old Croft to a new generation of gamers. And so it's only natural that an upcoming film reboot is being mapped out and will closely follow the game's lead; it has been revealed that the producers of the game and the film will collaborate on the upcoming project.

In an article in Variety that predominantly focuses on the game (and how it has taken its cue from Batman and James Bond's makeovers within the last decade), it's made clear that Crystal Dynamics is working closely with GK Films ('The Departed') to develop the new movie, which is unusual considering most video game studios simply license off the rights to their titles. This move will create greater symmetry between the game and the movie.

Said Crystal Dynamics chief Darrell Gallagher:

It was important for both of us to have a cohesive version of the franchise. We didn’t want to see a film version that was a continuation of the old ‘Tomb Raider’ films.”

 

It goes without saying that Angelina Jolie won't be filling Lara's boots again, but the producers haven't yet found their young archeologist. However, they're working with the new take that the game studio has given them, so it's very possible it'll be an unknown. After all, the character (and her ample assets) is the appeal, not necessarily the star who plays her.

Back in May of 2011, 'Iron Man' writers Hawk Ostby and Mark Fergus were hired to pen the 'Tomb Raider' screenplay, but it's unclear if they're still involved at this point or if they've moved on.

Here's the synopsis for the new game:

Tomb Raider explores the intense and gritty origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. Armed only with raw instincts and the ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, Lara must fight to unravel the dark history of a forgotten island to escape its relentless hold.

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