Be Entertained!

Alicia Vikander kicks butt in the new Tomb Raider twist

It was her lead role in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

that made Angelina Jolie a bona fide Hollywood superstar. Now, 17 years later, Oscar winner Alicia Vikander is taking on the same character for the new TombRaider film.

Many fans questioned the casting choice and even Alicia herself knew she had big boots to fill. “I could never compete with what Angelina did,” says the 29-year-old star of TheDanish

Girl. “She made Lara into an icon because she is an icon, but this is our different interpretation.

“We’re focused on the reboot of the video game, which came out a few years ago. It’s the origin story – we’re not trying to copy or reinvent what she did.”

The film sees Lara travel to a remote island to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. For the Swedish star, it’s a role she’s wanted forever. Alicia tells, “I’ve been dreaming since I was a kid to be a part of a big actionadventure, to push myself, and in this film, I really get

to do that.”

But it wasn’t a dream that came easy. The actress, who is married to Michael Fassbender, trained intensely, gaining over 7kg of muscle in preparation for the role. She explains, “I did months of training, not only cycling but mixed martial arts training, and I did some boxing, climbing and swimming. I lifted more weights than I’ve ever done in my life.”

Alicia recalls first becoming fascinated with TombRaider at a friend’s house. “I looked at the TV screen and I’d never seen a woman being the protagonist in a video game. I was thrilled and stood there just watching. The boys wouldn’t really let me play, but later on, I got my chance.”

While she shies away from Angelina comparisons, Alicia does think she gives the original video version of Lara a run for her money. But she laughs, “My breasts are not as pointy!”