Fallout Star's $275M Action Epic Conquers Netflix Globally

Alicia Vikander, known for her captivating performances, portrayed an advanced AI robot in the critically acclaimed 2015 film "Ex Machina," a role that, in hindsight, demonstrated remarkable accuracy in its futuristic vision. Three years later, in 2018, Vikander took on the iconic role of Lara Croft in the silver-screen reboot of the popular video game adaptation, starring alongside Walton Goggins as the primary antagonist, Mathias Vogel. Both of these films are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, trending on their respective streaming platforms: "Ex Machina" on HBO Max and "Tomb Raider" on Netflix and Prime Video.

Despite its current trending status, the 2018 "Lara Croft" reboot faced a challenging reception upon its release, underperforming at the global box office with approximately $275 million worldwide and receiving lukewarm reviews, holding a Rotten Tomatoes critics' score of 52% and an audience score of 55%. Nevertheless, its presence on Netflix's Top 10 Movies chart in over 30 regions, according to FlixPatrol, highlights a renewed interest from viewers. The film, with a runtime of 118 minutes, delves into the origin story of a 21-year-old Lara Croft as she embarks on a quest to uncover the mysterious disappearance of her father, echoing themes from previous live-action iterations like the Angelina Jolie-led "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Additionally, "Tomb Raider" has also been trending on Prime Video in the Philippines and Thailand, further solidifying its streaming success.

The journey for a "Tomb Raider" sequel starring Alicia Vikander was a convoluted one. Following the 2018 film's worldwide box office performance, which was considered "good money" for the franchise, MGM initially commissioned Amy Jump to write a sequel script, with Ben Wheatley attached to direct. A March 2021 release date was even planned before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted production. Later, "Lovecraft Country" creator Misha Green took over as both writer and director, completing a draft under the working title "Tomb Raider: Obsidian." However, MGM's failure to greenlight the sequel before a pre-negotiated deadline resulted in the movie rights reverting to GK Films, effectively concluding Vikander's tenure as Lara Croft.

The "Tomb Raider" franchise is now set for a new chapter under Amazon's purview. Having secured the new rights, Amazon is actively rebuilding the franchise, with plans for an upcoming Prime Video series. This new adaptation will feature Sophie Turner, known for her role in "Game of Thrones," as the new Lara Croft, with an expected release by 2027. This continuous reimagining underscores the enduring legacy and appeal of the Lara Croft character in popular culture.

Beyond specific film adaptations, the concept of an "action hero" resonates deeply with audiences, inspiring quizzes such as Collider's "Which Action Hero Would Be Your Perfect Partner?" This interactive quiz challenges users to answer ten questions to determine which legendary figure—Rambo, James Bond, Indiana Jones, John McClane, or Ethan Hunt—would best complement them in dangerous situations, exploring their distinct approaches to missions, travel, combat, downtime, and communication.

Each of these iconic action heroes brings a unique set of skills and personality traits. Rambo, the quiet and ferociously capable partner, excels in survival and assessing threats with minimal words, demonstrating unwavering loyalty. James Bond, the impeccably dressed and professionally dangerous agent, navigates complex situations with charm, style, and strategic brilliance, surviving the unsurvivable. Indiana Jones offers a blend of brilliant scholarship and brawler's instinct, possessing invaluable knowledge of history, language, and culture, though prone to recklessness and an aversion to snakes.

John McClane embodies the accidental hero, relying on stubbornness and improvisation to overcome impossible odds, often complaining but always coming through when it truly counts. Ethan Hunt operates at the pinnacle of human capability, meticulously planning and executing missions that seem physically impossible, carrying the immense weight of the mission with relentless precision while fiercely protecting his partners. These diverse archetypes highlight the multifaceted nature of heroism in cinema, inviting audiences to reflect on what qualities they value most in a partner for adventure.