Chris Barrie: Tomb Raider

Rimmer actor to star in forthcoming Lara Croft movie.

20 November, 2000

Chris Barrie seems determined to get into the film business early (see the Red Dwarf movie news) as it is announced that he will be taking a key role in the forthcoming Tomb Raider blockbuster, based on the massively successful video game.

Lara Croft will be played by Angelina Jolie - the daughter of John Voight - who has apparently undergone rigorous training (and voice-coaching) for the role. Chris will play Hilary, Lara's butler. Watch out also for the British actor for whom being suave is a way of life - Leslie "Hel-lo" Phillips.

Given this casting, it's hard to imagine the film will be taking itself too seriously. Interviewed recently, Chris admitted, "I think there is a comic element to it."

The film - which, like the game, will have more than a touch of the Indiana Jones's about it - will be directed by Con Air helmer Simon West, who has put off directing The Prisoner movie (based on the 60's TV series) to take Lara on.

Asked how he became involved with the film, Chris said, "I went to see Simon West, the director, early in the summer and we had a nice chat. He's a very down-to-earth English guy, no airs and graces. We just chatted about it and I seem to remember him saying that if anything came to mind as they were writing the screenplay, he'd bear me in mind.

"I'd forgotten about it, and I read somewhere that Tomb Raider was starting to shoot - it reminded me that I'd been to the casting! I thought, 'Oh well, bang goes another one. Hey-ho, such is life.' And lo and behold I get this call that they want me on board! So you don't really ask questions about what went before. You just get there, hit your marks and do your lines."

Director West has already admitted that he does not have a huge interest in video games, and while Chris shares his lack of fascination, he does admit that, when playing on a simulator recently at a corporate event, he was almost lured in: "The jet-biking one I just couldn't get off! So I thought, 'I'm not going to have a go on the other machines or games, otherwise I'm likely to be hooked!' For the first time ever the virtual reality on the jet-bike really did hit home. In a few years time it's going to be mind-blowing!"

Does he think he'll end up with one at home? "I reckon so!"

The film is currently in production at Pinewood Studios and is due for release next year.