SCI, the computer games company that owns Lara Croft, along with the TOMB RAIDER franchise, has begun talks with Paramount Pictures to venture forth with a third installment in the movie franchise, reports The Business Online. Angelina Jolie is expected to return as Lara Croft, the English archaeologist/adventurer. The previous two movies have grossed more than $450 million at the box office.
Eidos, who originally created TOMB RAIDER and was acquired from SCI earlier this year, took a one-off licensing fee from Paramount in 1998 and received a percentage of the films gross receipts. In addition, it gets a piece of the TOMB RAIDER merchandising.
SCI is likely to negotiate a tougher deal for its property under ceo Jane Cavanagh, who is one of Britains most successful female executives.
SCI does not time the release of forthcoming TOMB RAIDER games with movies. The next game, TOMB RAIDER LEGEND, will hits store around Easter for PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
