**From the moment she first graced the screen as Lara Croft, Angelina Jolie redefined what it meant to embody a video game icon. Her portrayal in *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* not only captivated audiences worldwide but also cemented her status as a global superstar. This article delves into the journey of Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, exploring the rigorous preparation, the film's impact, and the lasting legacy of an unforgettable cinematic adventure.** The *Tomb Raider* franchise, originally a series of groundbreaking video games, found its perfect live-action counterpart in Angelina Jolie. Her unique blend of strength, intelligence, and undeniable charisma made her the quintessential choice to bring the daring archaeologist to life. More than two decades later, the image of Angelina Jolie, dual pistols in hand, navigating ancient ruins, remains etched in the minds of fans, a testament to her powerful and enduring performance.
Angelina Jolie: A Life Beyond the Croft Manor
Born Angelina Jolie Voight on June 4, 1975, this American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian has carved out a career marked by both critical acclaim and widespread global recognition. The recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for her powerful performance in *Girl, Interrupted*, Jolie's trajectory has been anything but conventional. Her journey to becoming a household name, however, was significantly propelled by her role as Lara Croft. Beyond her on-screen achievements, Angelina Jolie is renowned for her profound commitment to humanitarian causes. As a mother of six, a filmmaker, and a refugee advocate, she has constantly reinvented herself, showcasing a multifaceted persona that extends far beyond the glitz of Hollywood. Her dedication to global issues, particularly those concerning refugees and human rights, has earned her immense respect and solidified her position as a significant voice for change.
From Actress to Advocate: A Multifaceted Persona
Angelina Jolie's life off-screen is as compelling as her roles on it. She has served as a Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), tirelessly advocating for displaced populations around the world. Her work has taken her to conflict zones and refugee camps, bringing much-needed attention to humanitarian crises. This deep engagement with global issues informs her public image and adds layers of depth to her already complex identity. Recently, Jolie has continued to evolve her public presence, including her venture with @atelierjolieofficial, a fashion collective focused on creativity and social purpose. Her personal life, though often under public scrutiny, remains grounded. For instance, her daughter, Shiloh Jolie, the daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, was recently seen enjoying a day out in Los Angeles, California, with her close friend Keoni Rose in a rare sighting, highlighting the balance she strives for between public life and private moments. At a recent awards ceremony, she teared up honoring her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, further revealing the personal depth that underpins her public persona. Angelina Jolie also recently revealed a new body modification on the center of her chest while at the 2024 Tony Awards, a subtle yet intriguing detail that speaks to her ongoing self-expression. As she approaches her 50th birthday on June 4, sources close to the actress tell People that Angelina Jolie is not interested in holding a major party, preferring a more intimate celebration, underscoring her preference for privacy and genuine connections. In a recent revelation, Angelina Jolie also shared that she wouldn’t be an actress if she was starting out in the entertainment industry today, a candid insight into her perspective on the current landscape of fame and media. Here's a brief overview of her personal data:
Attribute
Detail
Full Name
Angelina Jolie Voight
Born
June 4, 1975
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation
Actress, Filmmaker, Humanitarian
Children
6 (Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne, Knox)
Notable Accolades
Academy Award, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards
The Genesis of an Icon: Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft
The *Tomb Raider* games had already established Lara Croft as a formidable and beloved character, known for her intelligence, athleticism, and penchant for exploring lost empires and finding priceless treasures. Bringing such a well-established video game character to the big screen was a monumental task, requiring an actress who could not only embody Lara's physical prowess but also her complex personality. The search for the perfect Lara Croft was intense, with many actresses considered. However, it was Angelina Jolie who ultimately won the role, a decision that would prove to be pivotal for both her career and the franchise.
Casting the Unstoppable Lara
The casting of Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft was met with initial skepticism by some fans of the video game, who questioned whether the Hollywood star could truly capture the essence of their beloved digital heroine. However, the film's producers and director, Simon West, saw something in Jolie that made her the ideal choice. Her rebellious spirit, combined with a natural intensity and an almost otherworldly beauty, convinced them she possessed the necessary qualities to bring Lara Croft to life. Her dedication to the role, which included rigorous physical training, quickly silenced the doubters and transformed skepticism into anticipation.
Rigorous Training: Becoming Lara Croft
To authentically portray the agile and formidable Lara Croft, Angelina Jolie embarked on an incredibly demanding training regimen. This was not merely about looking the part; it was about truly becoming Lara. A recently resurfaced video of Angelina Jolie’s rigorous training for *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* (2001) has thrilled fans, bringing back memories of her iconic performance and showcasing her unparalleled dedication. This training included intense physical conditioning, martial arts, yoga, and even ballet, all designed to enhance her flexibility, strength, and coordination. Jolie's commitment went beyond just physical exercises. She immersed herself in understanding Lara's movements and fighting style, ensuring every action sequence felt authentic and powerful. The training video, widely circulated online, allows viewers to discover her dedication and transformation, revealing the sheer athleticism required to perform many of her own stunts. This level of commitment to character immersion, including details like bra padding for the character's iconic silhouette and the willingness to undergo drug testing to prove her focus, underscored her professionalism and determination to deliver a performance that honored the game's legacy. Her risk-taking attitude, a hallmark of Lara Croft herself, was evident in her willingness to push her physical limits for the role.
Costume Controversy: Lara Croft's Attire
One of the most recognizable aspects of the *Tomb Raider* video game character is Lara Croft's distinctive attire, particularly her very short shorts. When it came to adapting this look for the big screen, Angelina Jolie revealed why she did not want to wear the attire Lara Croft wears in the video game. She expressed concerns that the shorts would detract from the character's strength and focus, potentially making her appear more as a sex symbol than a capable adventurer. Angelina Jolie told the *Tomb Raider* director, Simon West, that she wouldn’t wear Lara Croft’s shorts for the movie. Instead, she opted for more practical, yet still iconic, combat shorts and trousers that allowed for greater movement and emphasized Lara's athleticism and resilience over her overt sexuality. This decision highlighted Jolie's desire to portray Lara as a strong, intelligent, and independent woman, aligning with her own values and contributing to a more empowering representation of the character for a broader audience. While some purist fans might have initially missed the original shorts, Jolie found a lot to like about Lara, and her choice ultimately helped define a more grounded and formidable cinematic version of the character.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - The Film's Impact
Released on June 11, 2001, *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* marked a significant moment in the history of video game adaptations. Directed by Simon West, the film brought the beloved archaeologist to life with a blend of action, adventure, and mystical elements. The movie's cast and crew credits included Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, alongside Jon Voight (Jolie's real-life father) as Lord Richard Croft, and Iain Glen as Manfred Powell. Noah Taylor also featured as Bryce, Lara's eccentric tech wizard.
Plotting the Ancient Relics
The plot of *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* centers around Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie), an international treasure hunter who ventures all over the world in search of ancient relics. She’s smart, brave, and always up for a new adventure. The story begins with a rare planetary alignment that triggers the awakening of an ancient artifact known as the "Triangle of Light," a powerful relic capable of controlling time and space. A secret from her father’s past is about to lead Lara to her greatest challenge. This leads Lara on a quest to prevent the Illuminati, led by the enigmatic Manfred Powell, from acquiring the two halves of the Triangle and unleashing its destructive power upon the world. It’s all in a day’s work for Lara Croft, exploring lost empires and finding priceless treasures, but this mission is deeply personal, intertwining with her father's legacy.
A Global Box Office Phenomenon
*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* proved to be a commercial success, demonstrating the global appeal of both the character and Angelina Jolie's star power. The film garnered significant box office returns, validating the decision to invest in a large-scale adaptation of a video game. Its success paved the way for future video game movies and solidified Angelina Jolie's position as a leading action star. The film is available to download or stream on platforms like Hoopla, allowing new generations to experience Angelina Jolie's iconic performance. Fans can also check out the official *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* (2001) trailer starring Angelina Jolie to relive the excitement and let us know what they think in the comments below, or buy or rent it on Fandango.
The Cradle of Life: Continuing the Adventure
Following the success of the first film, Angelina Jolie reprised her role as Lara Croft in the sequel, *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life*, released in 2003. This time, the film was directed by Jan de Bont, known for his work on action thrillers. The sequel saw Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) embarking on a quest to prevent Pandora's Box from falling into the wrong hands. In *The Cradle of Life*, Lara teams up with Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler), a former Royal Marine and her ex-lover, to stop the villainous biological weapons magnate Jonathan Reiss (Ciaran Hinds) from unleashing the contents of Pandora's Box, which is believed to contain the deadliest plague in human history. Chris Barrie also returned as Lara's loyal butler, Hillary. The film expanded on Lara's global adventures, taking her to exotic locations and presenting even more elaborate action sequences. While it didn't quite match the box office success of its predecessor, it further solidified Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Lara Croft and showcased her continued dedication to the character's physical demands.
Beyond Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie's Evolving Career
While her role as Lara Croft remains one of her most iconic, Angelina Jolie's career has extended far beyond the realm of action-adventure films. As an Academy Award-winning actress, she is known for a diverse range of films, from the intense drama of *Girl, Interrupted*, which earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, to the critically acclaimed *Changeling*, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her versatility as an actress is evident in her choices, encompassing everything from animated features like *Kung Fu Panda* to directorial endeavors such as *In the Land of Blood and Honey* and *Unbroken*. Jolie's journey as a filmmaker has allowed her to tell stories that resonate with her humanitarian passions, often focusing on themes of conflict, resilience, and the human spirit. Her work as a refugee advocate and humanitarian continues to be a central pillar of her life, often taking precedence over her acting career. She is a constant presence on the global stage, using her platform to raise awareness and champion causes she deeply believes in. This evolution from a Hollywood rebel to a respected humanitarian and filmmaker underscores her constant reinvention, showcasing a depth that goes far beyond the silver screen. Her recent personal revelations, such as her preference for intimate birthday celebrations and her candid thoughts on the current entertainment industry, paint a picture of a star who is deeply reflective and committed to living authentically.
The Enduring Legacy of Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft
More than two decades after the release of *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider*, Angelina Jolie's portrayal of the iconic archaeologist continues to resonate deeply with fans and pop culture enthusiasts. Her performance set a high bar for video game adaptations, proving that it was possible to bring a beloved digital character to life with authenticity and charisma. The famous *Tomb Raider* games have inspired a series of successful films that have been enjoyed by audiences worldwide, and if you have played video games or seen movies, you understand the significant impact Jolie had. Jolie’s Lara Croft was not just a physically capable heroine; she was intelligent, resourceful, and possessed a compelling backstory that added depth to her adventures. The image of Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, with her distinctive braid, athletic physique, and unwavering determination, became synonymous with the character for an entire generation. Fans continue to cherish this portrayal, as evidenced by the excitement generated by resurfaced training videos and the enduring popularity of Angelina Jolie *Tomb Raider* wallpapers, with 33 fantastic background images available for desktops, phones, or tablets. Her influence is undeniable, shaping how audiences perceive Lara Croft and influencing subsequent adaptations. While other actresses have since taken on the role, Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft remains the definitive cinematic version for many, a testament to her unique blend of star power, dedication, and the indelible mark she left on the character.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie's journey as Lara Croft in *Tomb Raider* was more than just a series of films; it was a cultural phenomenon that solidified her status as a global icon and redefined the possibilities for video game adaptations. From her rigorous training and thoughtful approach to the character's attire to her captivating on-screen presence, Jolie embodied Lara Croft with a rare blend of strength, intelligence, and humanity. Her enduring legacy as the intrepid archaeologist continues to inspire and entertain, proving that some performances are truly timeless. What are your favorite moments from Angelina Jolie's *Tomb Raider* films? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of Lara Croft, be sure to explore our other articles on iconic film roles and the actors who brought them to life.
Tomb Raider Lara Croft Angelina Jolie
