Tomb Raider Needs to Learn From This Mediocre Video Game Adaptation’s Mistakes

The following contains spoilers for Uncharted (2022).

Amazon Prime is creating a new series based on the popular video game Tomb Raider, and excitement is growing for this third attempt to bring the franchise to life on screen. A recent photo of Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner dressed as Lara Croft has fans hopeful that this version will be the most successful adaptation yet.

Adapting video games into movies is always a bit risky. While recent films like Arcane and The Super Mario Bros. Movie show improvement, these adaptations often disappoint, especially for dedicated gamers. The Tomb Raider series is frequently compared to Uncharted, and although the Uncharted movie was generally liked in 2022, many players still felt it didn’t quite capture the spirit of the game. If the new Tomb Raider movie wants to be truly successful and stand out as a good adaptation, it needs to learn from the missteps of Uncharted.

Uncharted Wasn’t Terrible, But It Was Forgettable

Returning to the Games is Much More Worth Your Time

Compared to many video game movies, Uncharted is actually pretty decent. It’s a fast-paced, entertaining action film with lots of jokes and exciting sequences. However, it hasn’t really left a lasting impression, and even dedicated fans of the Uncharted games weren’t particularly impressed. While Mark Wahlberg, Tom Holland, and Sophia Ali are all good actors, they didn’t quite capture the same spark and connection as the characters in the games. The strong relationships and playful banter between the characters are a key part of what makes Uncharted enjoyable, and the movie just didn’t deliver on that for longtime fans.

The upcoming Tomb Raider series faces a unique challenge. Lara Croft is a more reserved and independent character than Nathan Drake, and the show’s smaller cast could be either a strength or a weakness. It’s essential that the series captures Lara’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and enigmatic personality. Adapting Tomb Raider is particularly difficult because the show relies heavily on one actor’s performance, but Taylor Elmore has proven her talent in Game of Thrones. Creating a distinct and memorable tone is crucial for the series to stand out and avoid repeating the fate of previous attempts.

We Don’t Need Another Lara Croft Origin Story

Origin Story Fatigue Has Set In

The movie Uncharted decided to retell the story of how Nathan Drake and his mentor, Sully, first met, even though players had already learned their origin story in a previous game. This felt like an odd decision because it wasn’t really needed, and the film spent time explaining a relationship that fans already understood – especially those who had played the games before.

The strength of Nate and Sully’s relationship isn’t about how they met, but the sense of a shared, adventurous past filled with danger. This history was what made their connection so engaging in the original games, so it’s puzzling why the movie decided to ignore it and create a new, less compelling backstory.

Fans of Tomb Raider are also concerned the upcoming series will retell Lara Croft’s origin story – something they’ve seen many times before. These frequent reboots mean constantly revisiting the beginning, and many viewers would rather see Lara as the experienced, famous adventurer they already know, instead of watching her become that person. Hopefully, this new series will avoid the mistakes of Uncharted and start with Lara already established as a skilled archaeologist and explorer.

Tomb Raider’s New Series Needs to Capture the Essence of the Games

Uncharted Nailed Its Finale Set Piece

When adapting a story into a new format, the most crucial thing is to preserve what made the original special. Adapters need to translate the core elements of the source material into something new while keeping its heart intact. The climax of the Uncharted film did this exceptionally well. The game series is famous for its thrilling action sequences, and the movie delivered a truly spectacular fight scene – two pirate ships suspended in the air by helicopters! It was a perfectly over-the-top, classic Uncharted moment. While visually impressive, this fight stood out because it captured the spirit of the games better than anything else in the film.

The upcoming Tomb Raider series should focus on the most memorable parts of the games, but avoid relying too heavily on fan expectations. A good example of what it could achieve is Arcane, which captured a similar dark and realistic feel that Tomb Raider has been known for, particularly since the 2013 reboot. Beyond exciting action and clever puzzles, the show needs to accurately portray Lara Croft’s personality. If they succeed, this adaptation could be far better than Uncharted and become one of the best video game adaptations ever made. For now, fans will have to wait and see if it lives up to the potential.

2026-01-19 07:34