MGM reportedly loses Tomb Raider movie rights, prompting Hollywood bidding war

The Wrap has reported that MGM has lost the film rights to the Tomb Raider franchise, which has prompted a Hollywood bidding war.

In order to hang on to the Tomb Raider film rights, the studio had until May to greenlight a sequel, but they missed their chance. Multiple insiders with knowledge of the project told The Wrap that several studios are now putting in bids for the franchise. The rights reverted back to the game company after MGM lost them, and Graham King’s GK Films are considering the incoming offers. Alicia Vikander is no longer attached to Tomb Raider as it’s expected that the next film will be a complete reboot.

The Tomb Raider sequel was originally set to be helmed by Ben Wheatley (Rebecca), but when production was delayed due to COVID-19, Wheatley departed and Lovecraft Country‘s Misha Green came on board to write and direct. Just weeks ago, Alicia Vikander said that the sequel was in limbo. “With the MGM and Amazon buyout, I have no clue,” Vikander said. “Now it’s kind of politics. I think Misha and I have been ready, so it’s kind of in somebody else’s hands, to be honest.” The actress wouldn’t spill any details about what Misha Green had cooked up for the Tomb Raider sequel, only to say that she’s “excited to show the world” and “I love what she’s done with Lovecraft Country.” It’s too early to say who will emerge the victor in the Tomb Raider bidding war, but the IP is too valuable to be left sitting for long.

What do you think about MGM losing out on the Tomb Raider rights? Do you have a studio in mind who should pick them up?