First look: Alicia Vikander is the anti-Angelina Jolie in first Tomb Raider pics

The recent Tomb Raider video games (the first one was released in 2013), redefined the iconic adventurer Lara Croft for a new generation. No longer was she a hyper-sexualised, immaculate goddess. It was a more realistic take on the character. And the new movie adaptation starring Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander seems to be taking its cue from these games.

The first official images from the film have been released simultaneously to Vanity Fair and GQ. In them, Vikander is in the jungle, dirtier, grittier and more human than we’ve seen her before. It’s a far cry from Angelina Jolie’s pristine Lara Croft.

Vikander spoke about the character’s enduring popularity to Vanity Fair, “I think people can identify with her for lots of different reasons, but for me I very much see her as a model for many young women. She’s trying to carve out her place in the world and connect her future with her past. She also has a fantastic mix of traits—tough, smart, vulnerable, plus she’s kick ass! She is also uniquely different to other characters I have taken on previously. It’s a lot of fun trying to get into Lara’s head and the challenge of getting to grips with such a physical role is an element of this project that I find an absolute thrill.”

Director Roar Uthaug (who helmed The Wave) told GQ about his take on the franchise, “We drew a lot of inspiration and reference from the game and the entire Tomb Raider canon to develop our world, and I believe fans will recognize that. At the same time, this is a completely different theatrical approach to Lara Croft that will offer something new in the origin and development of the character. It’s a story that not only highlights her incredible physical accomplishments but delves deeper into her humanity.”

Tomb Raider is slated for a March 18, 2018 release and will also star Daniel Wu, Dominic West and Walton Goggins as the villain.