Summary

Netflix’s upcoming Lara Croft show looks incredibly promising, but its announcement creates some confusion about Prime Video’sTomb Raideruniverse.Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftis an upcoming animated series from Netflix that will follow the recent video game trilogy. Despite Hayley Atwell taking center stage as opposed to Croft’s latest voice actor, Camilla Luddington, the newTomb Raider show will still follow the games' timelineand bring a new chapter to the iconic character’s story. WithNetflix droppingTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft’s trailer, the hype around the series is slowly starting to build.

While Netflix’s project seems to have plenty of potential, it creates a mystery about what is happening with Amazon’s universe.Amazon Prime Video’s live-actionTomb Raidershow was confirmed earlier this year after the studio had already announced it was working on a movie reboot. This means the streaming platform is creating an entireTomb Raideruniverse, andwhile it is unclear if Amazon’s projects will connect, there are clearly big plans for Lara Croft. However, with Netflix also creating aTomb Raidershow, it will be interesting to see how the animated show impacts Prime Video’s plans.

Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider video game series and from the animated show

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftwill be released on Netflix on July 07, 2025.

Netflix & Amazon Prime Video Are Both Creating New Tomb Raider Projects

Prime Video and Netflix simultaneously working onTomb Raiderprojects surprisingly puts them head-to-head on the same franchise. Rivalries between streaming platforms are certainly healthy as it forces them to up their game and make better content, but it is rare to see them both producing projects from the same franchise. Considering studios are often fighting for the rights over certain IPs,seeing two of the biggest streaming platforms both creatingTomb Raiderprojects at similar times is a shock, and with Netflix’s show scheduled to release this year, it is likely Amazon’s project won’t be too far behind.

Given how big Prime Video’s plans seem to be with theTomb Raideruniverse, they will likely be aiming to try and release something next year. The platform has both a live-action movie and a TV show in the works, meaning they will be hoping to launch the rebooted universe sooner rather than later. This meanstwo separateTomb Raideruniverses could be released within a year of one another, creating some exciting competition. GivenHayley Atwell is unlikely to star in Amazon’sTomb Raiderreboot, one perfect casting option is already gone for Amazon, showing early signs of competition.

Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft readies a bow in Tomb Raider (2018) and Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft looks ready to fight in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider — The Cradle of Life

Netflix’s Animated Tomb Raider Show Puts Plenty Of Pressure On Amazon’s Live-Action Universe

Amazon’s Live-Action Universe Will Have To Try & Exceed Netflix’s Tomb Raider Show

Despite how big Amazon’s live-actionTomb Raideruniverse could become, it has a lot of pressure to perform after Netflix’s show. Netflix casting Hayley Atwell as Lara Croft is a genius decision as she is a popular choice for the role. Therefore, fans will likely be satisfied that the actress finally gets to play Tomb Raider’s protagonist and Prime Video will be unlikely to cast Atwell. This meansAmazon must find an equally suitable Lara Croft alternative to compete with Netflixalongside previous depictions of the character by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, which creates plenty of pressure.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft’s animated format also makes it a lot closer to the games which is something Prime Video will also have to compete with.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft poster

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft’s animated format also makes it a lot closer to the games which is something Prime Video will also have to compete with. There is always the chance that Netflix’s project flops, but early signs look promising, meaning the live-action universe will have big expectations to live up to. Overcoming the games and movies is one thing, but with a very recent adaptation to be compared against, Amazon has to make sure they knock it out of the park with their first project; otherwise, audiences may gravitate towards Netflix’s series.

Who Will Have The Better Tomb Raider Project: Netflix Or Amazon Prime Video?

Netflix & Prime Video’s Tomb Raider Projects Each Have Their Own Advantages

There isn’t a lot to split Prime Video and Netflix’sTomb Raiderprojects currently, but they do each have their own slight advantages. Audiences are already familiar with a live-action version of theTomb Raideruniverse which could go in Prime Video’s favor. This means the platform’s adaptation will be more familiar to non-gamers and have a more mainstream feel.Amazon’s Lara Croft casting forTomb Raideris also still unknown, and while this could be an encouraging surprise, it could also still be a disappointment. Fortunately for Netflix, the animated series also has a few unique strengths.

How Tomb Raider’s New Lara Croft Compares To Angelina Jolie & Alicia Vikander

The latest entry in the Tomb Raider multi-media franchise, Netflix’s Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft differs from the Tomb Raider movies.

In contrast to Amazon’s project,the animated world is what video game players are used to, making Netflix’s project more faithful to the source material.Animation also offers more variety in terms of locations and action sequences, which givesTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Craftmore versatility. Netflix also has a great record with animated gaming adaptations which is a positive for the streaming platform’s show. Even if it only lasts one season, a high-quality outing will put more pressure on Prime Video’s projects to constantly maintain this high bar.

Considering Amazon has both a universe and a movie, it seems there is more potential for this version ofTomb Raider; however, Netflix’s track record bodes well forTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. Ultimately, each project should thrive in its own way if done right, and Netflix’s October release will provide a much clearer indication of the quality that Amazon will have to try and surpass.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

This animated series follows the iconic tomb-raider Lara Croft as she embarks on thrilling adventures, exploring ancient civilizations and uncovering hidden secrets. Balancing intellect and physical prowess, Lara navigates treacherous environments and encounters formidable adversaries, all while striving to protect the world’s archaeological treasures.