Prime Video orders Tomb Raider series, and more
May 14, 2024
By Nik Roseveare
At its inaugural upfront presentation, Prime Video announced that it has ordered a Tomb Raider series with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) set as writer and executive producer. The series is based on the iconic Tomb Raider video game franchise, which follows the adventures of archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft. The project comes as part of a deal between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios, originating through dj2’s first-look deal with the studio, to develop additional Tomb Raider stories into series and films.
Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games have previously announced a collaboration to develop and publish a new multiplatform Tomb Raider game. The as-yet untitled game is a single-player, narrative-driven action-adventure that is an all new, next chapter to Lara Croft’s legendary explorations in the Tomb Raider franchise.
“If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode. Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all,” said Waller-Bridge.
“I’m so happy to announce that we have ordered the epic, globetrotting series Tomb Raider from the incredibly gifted Emmy-award winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the team at Crystal Dynamics,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios.“ Fans and newcomers can look forward to exhilarating adventures that honor the legacy of this iconic character.”
“Amazon MGM Studios and Amazon Games are incredible collaborators with a massive reach across the globe enabling us to expand our Tomb Raider franchise with multiple new adventures and a shared passion for creating impactful, entertaining, emotional experiences for players and viewers throughout every facet of this universe,” added Scot Amos, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “These timeless stories span all media platforms to meet audiences where they want to engage with Tomb Raider; it’s a critical step towards our future with fans everywhere.”
The series is executive produced by Crystal Dynamics, Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robbins through Wells Street Productions, Dmitri M. Johnson through dj2 Entertainment, Michael Scheel, and Legendary Television. Amanda Greenblatt and Ryan Andolina are consulting producers under their Star Party banner. The series is produced by Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios.
During its upfront presentation, Prime Video also revealed that spy series Mr and Mrs Smith will be returning for a second season; whilst The Boys, set to premiere its fourth season in June, has already been renewed for a fifth season.
Other new titles unveiled included game show Pop Culture Jeopardy! – a twist on the classic quiz show’s answer-and-question format from Sony Pictures Television; and a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir, which will star Nicolas Cage.
Prime Video has also greenlit four new sports documentaries, including a four-part documentary on NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr; a four-part series chronicling the history of the Madden video game franchise; an anthology series about the most epic Game 7s throughout sports history; and a true-crime documentary about ChiefsAholic, the notorious Kansas City Chiefs superfan and serial bank robber.
Meanwhile, the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will debut on August 29th.