Graham King, President of GK Films, the same company that released such hits as last year's The Tourist and the current animated blockbuster Rango, has confirmed yesterday that a new actress has been cast in the role of Lara Croft in the upcoming movie reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise.
"We wanted a young, vibrant actress for the role," said King, "that's why we chose Vanessa Hudgens for the title role.
She comes to us with an impressive filmography resume which include the current action blockbuster Sucker Punch and the popular High School Musical trilogy"
"I remember playing Tomb Raider when I was a little girl, "says Vanessa at the press conference announcement, "and I remember being fascinated by the way Lara carried herself in the game.
She is the pure embodiment how a woman should be: strong, assertive, independent, tough - ready to take on any and all challenges thrown her way!!"
When reminded how she will have big shoes to fill after Angelina Jolie made the celluloid Lara Croft internationally famous, Hudgens said:
"I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Angelina and I will do her and Lara Croft proud and the millions of worldwide fans. It will be great! It will be fun! It will be fantastic!"
Coincidentally, Vanessa and her fellow Sucker Punch cast members had to undergo 12 weeks of intensive training for their roles:
weight training, combat training and extensive live weapons training by a former Navy SEAL - all the skills that Lara Croft needs to survive in her element!!
The new Tomb Raider Reboot movie is scheduled for release in 2013.
