How Did Angelina Jolie Land The Role Of Lara Croft In ‘Tomb Raider’?

Angelina Jolie is one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood, but even she did not receive any special treatment while auditioning for the role of Lara Croft in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.”

Instead, Jolie’s troubled past spoke for itself. In the excerpt written by “Tomb Raider” executive Sherry Lansing for The Hollywood Reporter, it was revealed that Jolie’s troubled past was what helped her get cast in the 2001 movie. “This troubled and dangerous aspect in her reputation actually helped the character,” director Simon West said in “Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker.”

West also recalled Jolie’s determination to play the lead role in the movie. At the time, the award-winning actress just won an Oscar for “Girl, Interrupted.” “Jolie said, ‘Look, I want to do it, but I know what my reputation is, and I’ll do anything you want to prove that I’m worthy.’ She said, ‘I don’t care if the studio wants to drug test me every day,’” he recounted.

Read: Angelina Jolie shares what makes her happy amid Brad Pitt divorce

Since West also wanted Jolie to be on board with the project, they decided to subject her to a series of urine and blood tests, all of which she passed. A professional was also hired to look after the actress while filming “Tomb Raider.” On its opening day, the film earned $275 million, according to people.

Almost 16 years after, Jolie has starred in several other films. But the actress is currently focused on raising her six children. Following her divorce from Pitt, which she filed in September 2016, Jolie has vowed to spend more time with her kids. While speaking with Hello! magazine Jolie said, “I imagine I will spend my days traveling from country to country to visit our children, who I expect will live around the world.”