Crystal Dynamics Publishes Never-Before-Seen Official Model Photos

[March 25th 2021] As part of their "Tomb Raider II" celebrations, Crystal Dynamics have recently dug through the archives and posted a new album on Flikr, filled with official photographs taken of the Lara Croft models who helped promote the games in the first eighteen years of the series' history.

The new bundle is filled with photographs, some familiar and some new. Included in the collection are some never-before-seen photos of Rhona Mitra rocking her "Tomb Raider II" bomber jacket, and Nell McAndrew scouring the countryside in classic gear. Photographs of the later models are more easily found, such as Jill de Jong's computerised themed photoshoots and Alison Carroll's athletic stunts.

Nell McAndrew

In total, the studio has uploaded a total of fifty-nine different photos. You can view the full collection on the official Flickr page, HERE.

Having an official Lara Croft model to help promote an upcoming game was a tradition that began in 1997 with "Tomb Raider II". The first woman to take up the position was Rhona Mitra, an actress now best known for her role in "Boston Legal", "The Practice", and "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans". She was replaced by Nell McAndrew for "Tomb Raider III", before the role went to Lara Weller for "Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation", Lucy Clarkson for "Tomb Raider: Chronicles", and finally Jill de Jong for "Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness". As official Lara Croft models, they were tasked with appearing at events (such as conventions and stores) as the heroine's real-life double.

Rhona Mitra

When Crystal Dynamics became the main developer, the program shifted gears. They continued the tradition of hiring a model to promote their games, but also required them to undergo training including SAS survival course, weapon training, and crash courses in archaeology, deportment, elocution, and etiquette. The language around the role changed too, instead of being models, they were often referred to as spokeswomen for the brand, who were now directly interacting with fans at conventions and taking part in interviews.

Throughout the Crystal Dynamics years, there's only ever been two official models. First up was Karima Adebibe who represented the brand for "Tomb Raider Legend" and "Tomb Raider Anniversary". The final actress was Alison Carroll who was selected to mirror Tomb Raider Underworld's athletic Lara, especially as the game was the first using motion capture. 

Alison Carroll