Angelina Jolie, 50, Reignites Lara Croft Fever in Iconic Throwback

A throwback photo of Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft has taken social media by storm again. The image, dating back to 2003 during the filming of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, has resurfaced on X and reignited fan excitement over her role as the iconic video game hero.

The photo reminds audiences of a time when Jolie didn’t just act in a movie — she defined what a female action lead could be.

The post was shared by the popular account Cinesthetic, which captioned the photo, “Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft (2003). Fans quickly flooded the thread, agreeing with the sentiment. One commenter wrote, “This was peak casting back then and it still holds up.”

Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft (2003) pic.twitter.com/c3gSgP6zuC

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) February 26, 2026

Playing Lara Croft marked a major turning point in Jolie’s career. Before the 2001 release of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, she was known for indie films and her Oscar-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted. The blockbuster success of the franchise proved she could lead a big studio action film and established her as a top-tier female action star.

Today, in 2026, Jolie continues to explore new challenges on screen. She is receiving attention for her role in Maria, a biopic directed by Pablo Larraín, where she plays opera legend Maria Callas. The role required seven months of intensive opera training, showing Jolie’s commitment to fully inhabiting her characters.

Her upcoming projects also include the comedy-drama Anxious People, based on Fredrik Backman’s novel, starring alongside Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Segel. Fans are also looking forward to Maude v Maude, a spy thriller where she faces off against fellow Oscar winner Halle Berry.

Disney fans have something to be excited about as well, with Jolie confirmed to return in Maleficent 3, continuing her work in blockbuster franchises alongside her prestigious drama projects.

Outside of acting, Jolie has been busy with humanitarian and fashion work through Atelier Jolie. She has hosted workshops in New York and promoted global artisans, showing that her influence extends far beyond the screen. Whether performing in a blockbuster or advocating for international causes, Jolie remains a major figure in entertainment and culture.

Looking back, it’s clear that her portrayal of Lara Croft still stands as one of the most memorable and influential female action roles in Hollywood. Do you think any actress has come close to capturing Lara Croft the way Angelina Jolie did? Share your thoughts in the comments.