In addition to her undeniable charm and acting prowess, Angelina Jolie is renowned for her astonishing ability to perform her own stunts. Her stunning displays of athleticism were perhaps most evident on the set of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, where she took everyone by surprise with her capability to perform triple backflips. Despite her all-out commitment and stellar performance in the 2001 film, and subsequent action star status with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jolie’s role in the $703 million Tomb Raider franchise came to an unexpected end.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was one of the pioneers of video game adaptations in cinema, achieving enormous success with its 2001 release featuring Jolie in the titular role. The actress, already known for her willingness to carry out grueling stunts without a double, astounded her colleagues with her level of dedication.
“Angelina was performing triple backflips on set and doing bungee jumps from 50 feet up in the air, all with a smile,” recounted director Simon West. Jolie’s fearlessness, particularly in high-risk scenes, left the crew in awe of her exceptional fitness. “[Jolie is] utterly courageous when it comes to high places…Her confidence with heights means you can place her in any precarious situations, knowing she’ll convincingly pull it off,” West added.
Despite the awe-inspiring commitment and charisma she brought to the role, Jolie was replaced by Alicia Vikander for the third installment of the Tomb Raider franchise. After starring in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003), Jolie’s departure raised eyebrows. Rumors swirled that she chose to step away as the franchise’s popularity waned, but it was eventually revealed that the filmmakers and producers no longer saw her as the right fit for the role.
Producer Graham King expressed, “There was never a point in the story that felt right to pass on the baton. The studios asked about getting Angie back, which I understand from a marketing perspective. But it never felt right for our film. A move like that could upset the balance.”
In the end, Alicia Vikander was deemed a more suitable choice as the new Lara Croft, marking a new chapter in the $703M Tomb Raider franchise. Despite the excitement around Vikander’s debut, the fans’ desire to see Jolie’s continued dedication and character in the franchise remained unfulfilled.