'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' Sequel Has A New Director? Ben Wheatley To Helm New Film

"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," the popular action-adventure film franchise, will have a sequel to its recent reboot. After bringing back its star to fill the title role, a new director is on board.

According to Deadline, MGM has tapped Ben Wheatley to helm the sequel to 2018’s “Tomb Raider,” starring Alicia Vikander. Vikander will return to the role and MGM has scheduled the film’s release for March 10, 2021.

Wheatley made his directorial debut in 2009 with “Down Terrace," a low-budget crime drama that received critical acclaim. "Tomb Raider" marks the first time the England native has been directed a film of this scale.

Wheatley followed up "Down Terrace" with "Kill List" in 2011 and "Sightseers" in 2012.

His biggest work was 2015’s “High-Rise,” featuring an ensemble that included Tom Hiddleston, Sienna Miller and Jeremy Irons.

Wheatley then followed up with 2016 action-crime-comedy “Free Fire.” Like “High Rise,” Wheatley put together another ensemble cast that featured Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy and Sharlto Copley. It was also his first film to receive any major release in the U.S. after studio A24 picked up distribution rights for the U.S.

While the 2018 Tomb Raider film received mixed reviews, Vikander received praise for her performance. The film grossed $275 million on budget of around $100 million.

In 2001, Angelina Jolie starred in the first film, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," which grossed just under $275 million.