Daisy Ridley could be the new Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider movie reboot, Deadline reports.
The site says MGM and Warner Bros. are currently seeking to cast the iconic role, with Star Wars‘ Ridley being a prominent choice to get the position.
While no formal offer has been made and official negotiations have not yet started, it is believed that conversations with Ridley have taken place as the movie’s producers hope to keep their options open.
It’s understood that that the movie will follow a similar trajectory to the recent video games and explore Lara’s origins and her eventual path to becoming a tomb raider.
Ridley is currently filming Star Wars: Episode VIII and has not been confirmed for any acting roles after shooting wraps other than Episode IX. Ridley is also attached to documentary film The Eagle Huntress as an executive producer.
The Tomb Raider reboot has been in production for several years, with initial reports dating back to 2009. Last year Norwegian director Roar Uthaug was hired to direct alongside Geneva Robertson-Dworet, who’s penning the script. It’s worth noting that oddly enough neither is mentioned in Deadline’s report.
Given Ridley’s light (confirmed) schedule, she would have time to film the role while she’s proven she has what it takes for an action part. Given that The Force Awakens has topped $2 billion, audience recognition won’t be a problem either and there’s also the fact that she’s actually British, which can’t hurt her chances for this particular role.
Angelina Jolie famously played Croft in the original Tomb Raider films.