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Credit: Getty Images

“When I was asked to take on this role I got really excited – Lara Croft is truly an iconic character,” Alicia Vikander told Vanity Fair of landing a role made famous by a video series and then a film with Angelina Jolie. “I think people can identify with her for lots of different reasons, but for me I very much see her as a model for many young women. She’s trying to carve out her place in the world and connect her future with her past. She also has a fantastic mix of traits—tough, smart, vulnerable, plus she’s kick ass! She is also uniquely different to other characters I have taken on previously. It’s a lot of fun trying to get into Lara’s head and the challenge of getting to grips with such a physical role is an element of this project that I find an absolute thrill.”

Now, the first picture of Vikander as Croft has been revealed. While a big deviation from the actress’ previous roles in The Light Between Oceans and The Danish Girl – and even a different look from Jolie’s Croft portrayal – producer Graham King says Vikander is fiercer than ever. “[She] brings tremendous depth and vulnerability to this character, which is every bit as important as Lara Croft’s fierce strength, determination, and physicality. Our film takes Lara from her early origins, to the physical and emotional challenges through which she ultimately becomes the Tomb Raider. It’s a complex character, requiring a range of elements and Alicia brings all of that together brilliantly in her portrayal.”

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Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is in Australian cinemas in 2018.