Netflix's Tomb Raider Anime Series Reportedly Set Within Square Enix Universe

The rebooted Tomb Raider series, developed at first by Crystal Dynamics and eventually by Eidos-Montréal, came to a conclusion with Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018.

The game was largely well-received by fans and critics. With a mostly successful trilogy in the books, it seemed like Tomb Raider was once again relegated to the past.

Today, however, Netflix made a surprising decision that should excite fans of the legendary video game series.

TOMB RAIDER CONTINUES IN SQUARE ENIX UNIVERSE

According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is ordering a Tomb Raider anime series based on the game series published by Square Enix. 

The series will reportedly take place after the events of Square Enix's Tomb Raider series of games, presumably serving as a continuation of that universe’s story. Tasha Huo will serve as a writer and executive producer for the series. Huo is also known for her work on the upcoming The Witcher: Blood Origin series.

Netflix's geek-focused Twitter, @NX_OnNetlfix, account responded to the announcement:

"The most iconic heroine in video games is jumping to animation! Tomb Raider is a new anime series from 
@Legendary
 following Lara Croft after the events of the video-game reboot trilogy."

The most iconic heroine in video games is jumping to animation! Tomb Raider is a new anime series from @Legendary following Lara Croft after the events of the video-game reboot trilogy.

— NX (@NXOnNetflix) January 27, 2021

 

MORE STORYTELLING IN A BELOVED SERIES

Netflix’s decision to order an anime based on Square Enix’s Tomb Raider series is incredibly surprising. When Shadow of the Tomb Raider released in 2018, it seemed obvious that it would serve as the finale for the rebooted series. With the anime picking up after the events of that game, however, Netflix has the opportunity to continue fleshing-out that universe.

The choice to create an anime specifically is a bold and interesting strategy. The Square Enix's Tomb Raider series is known for its realistic combat and a somewhat grounded sense of realism. An anime might at first seem like an odd choice given the animation style, but it should inject a fresh approach to the otherwise realistic series.

This isn’t the first game series to be adapted into a Netflix animated series. Netflix released Castlevania, an anime based on the Castlevania series of video games, in 2017. The Tomb Raider anime, however, does seemingly set a precedent for the story of a game series to be continued in an animated television series.

Based on these two projects, it’s possible that Netflix may wish to continue expanding the story of video games through animated series.