The highly anticipated Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2025) film, starring Millie Bobby Brown, has finally released its first trailer, offering a thrilling glimpse into the world of one of gaming’s most iconic characters. The trailer brings to life the exhilarating adventures of Lara Croft, providing a fresh take on the character while honoring the legacy of the Tomb Raider franchise. It features breathtaking action sequences, intricate puzzle-solving, and a journey across dangerous and mysterious landscapes, all of which are hallmarks of the beloved video game series.

A Bold New Beginning for Lara Croft

The trailer opens with a dramatic sweeping shot of a dense, misty jungle, setting the stage for the adventurous tone of the film. The sounds of distant wildlife and rustling leaves create a sense of foreboding, hinting that something thrilling lies just ahead. In a dramatic reveal, the camera focuses on the silhouette of a young woman perched atop a cliff—Lara Croft herself. Played by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, this new portrayal of the iconic character introduces a fresh face to the role, one that promises to capture Lara’s mix of youthful determination and seasoned courage.

As the camera zooms in, Lara’s expression reflects steely resolve and an intense focus, her signature braid trailing behind her. Her voiceover sets the tone, “I was never meant for an ordinary life,” evoking the sense that this journey will be anything but conventional. With these first few moments, the film establishes Lara as a character driven by a relentless quest for adventure and the need to uncover the truth about her family’s past.

The Plot Unfolds

The trailer provides a glimpse into the plot, which revolves around Lara Croft following the clues in her father’s mysterious journal. The scenes shift from the dense jungle to the bustling streets of London, where Lara is piecing together the fragmented clues left by her late father. The journal leads her to a map pointing to a long-lost temple said to contain an artifact of extraordinary power. The ancient relic is believed to have capabilities that could either save or doom the world, depending on who wields it.

The visuals show Lara immersing herself in intense research, surrounded by books and artifacts, as she attempts to decipher ancient languages and hidden codes. Her father’s journal appears to be the key that connects her to a world of secrets that go far beyond anything she’s ever encountered. As the trailer progresses, it becomes clear that this mission is not only about discovering lost treasure but also about understanding her family’s legacy and coming to terms with her father’s mysterious past.

Action-Packed and Danger-Filled Sequences

In true Tomb Raider fashion, the trailer is packed with adrenaline-pumping sequences that showcase Lara’s athleticism, intelligence, and unyielding spirit. It includes moments of Lara narrowly escaping traps within booby-trapped caves, leaping across crumbling platforms, and diving into turbulent waters to uncover hidden passages. These scenes demonstrate her transformation from a young explorer to a seasoned adventurer, embodying the essence of the character’s evolution seen in the video game series.

The film’s settings are richly detailed, taking viewers on a journey through ancient ruins and forgotten civilizations. There are glimpses of intricately designed tombs, each more dangerous and alluring than the last, filled with mythological artifacts that carry a sense of wonder and menace. The visual effects appear to complement the film’s adventurous tone, with the environments looking authentic and treacherous, making every step Lara takes fraught with peril.

The New Antagonist

Adding to the excitement is the introduction of a new adversary, a ruthless treasure hunter who seems to be always one step ahead of Lara. The trailer gives only a brief look at this mysterious figure, who warns Lara, “You don’t know what you’re getting into.” Though his identity remains largely shrouded in secrecy, the brief glimpses suggest a formidable foe who is as resourceful and determined as Lara, setting the stage for an intense rivalry. The dynamic between Lara and the antagonist is poised to add depth to the film, challenging her at every turn and forcing her to confront not only physical threats but also her own doubts and fears.

Lara’s Evolution and Training

The trailer intersperses the action sequences with moments that show Lara pushing herself to the limit, training in various disciplines, and honing her skills. These scenes hint at the character’s growth from a young, inexperienced adventurer into the fearless tomb raider she is destined to become. There are shots of her scaling cliffs, practicing combat techniques, and solving intricate puzzles, alluding to the rigorous preparation she undergoes to face the challenges ahead.

This portrayal reflects a more grounded and human aspect of Lara Croft, emphasizing not just her extraordinary capabilities but also her determination to rise above the limitations of her past. It’s a journey of self-discovery and resilience, showcasing the character’s unbreakable spirit and passion for uncovering the truth, no matter the cost.

The Role of Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown’s casting as Lara Croft marks a new chapter for the franchise. Known for her strong performances in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes, Brown brings a blend of youthful energy and emotional depth to the character. Her interpretation of Lara promises to show a character who is not only physically capable but also emotionally complex, balancing vulnerability with courage.

Brown’s portrayal in the trailer hints at a Lara who is still finding her footing as an adventurer, which aligns with the more modern take on the character in recent Tomb Raider video games. This new film seems to be influenced by the tone and narrative style of the 2013 reboot game, which focused on a younger Lara facing her first big adventure and evolving into the iconic hero fans know and love.