[Zero Spoilers Ahead]
When Alicia Vikander steps into the role of Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft on March 16, moviegoers will see a new, lethal heroine who’s true strength is rooted in athleticism and cunning instead of guns and overt sexuality.
As with the 2013 video game reboot, Tomb Raider chronicles the first expedition of Lara Croft as she embarks on a mission to her father’s last-known destination, hoping to solve the mystery of his disappearance. A decision explicitly against his final wishes.
Vikander, who followed an intense training regiment prior to filming to gain 12 pounds of muscle, explains how she wanted to look believable and authentic in the role as a strong and formidable protagonist.
I started about 4 months before we started to shoot. What I loved was when I met the producers the fact that we wanted the action sequences, a big part of the film, to be set in reality. Would you buy that this young girl could beat this bigger stronger man? She’s a physical being. She trains MMA and she’s bicycle courier, I wanted it to look plausible.
Vikander goes on to reflect on those early days of training in the gym, where she felt embarrassed for her peers to watch, and despite the film being all about action, what makes the film truly memorable is the heart of the story and Croft’s journey.
It took a lot to do it [the stunts] in front of people. I was like, ‘don’t look!’ No eyes on me. But we worked so hard, we met in the morning, we worked on the script. The most daunting thing about making these big adventure films, which I’ve loved since I was a kid, is when you are able to mix these big spectacles with heart.
Tomb Raider, which opens March 16 also stars Dominic West, Daniel Wu, and Kirstin Scott-Thomas.