3rd 'Lara Croft' movie in the works

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A third big-screen take on the intrepid archaeologist character Lara Croft is in the works, but likely won't star Angelina Jolie, Hollywood insiders say.

Jolie played the heroine in Paramount Pictures' "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001) and "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life" (2003), which were inspired by the "Lara Croft" videogame franchise.

The Hollywood Reporter said Warner Bros. and producer Dan Lin are in early development on a third movie in collaboration with Eidos, the videogame publishers, because the rights to the "Lara Croft" stories and characters have since reverted back to that company.

When Time Warner increased its stake in Eidos last month, film rights to the property were included in the pact, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

The new movie is expected to offer a completely different take on the main character and her mission. An actress to play the heroine is likely to be hired after the film's writer and director are in place, The Hollywood Reporter said.