Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Game Studios have released a new behind-the-scenes episode for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, introducing Bradley Snedeker as Lara Croft's rival, Larson Conway.
Legacy of Atlantis is a reimagining of Lara Croft's first adventure, which originally released in 1996. The latest episode of the mini-documentary series focuses on Larson, with members of the Crystal Dynamics development team and the game's cast discussing how the character was shaped.
Jason Epps, Design Director at Crystal Dynamics, said Snedeker's voice won the team over from the start. "Bradley had us at the voice," Epps said. "On top of that, his acting ability was really solid and he offered a nice emotional tenor to the character, keeping it somewhat light, but also not making it frivolous and throwaway." He added that the team had "made real strides to amplify Larson and make him a meaningful character."
A mercenary working for Natla
In the game, Larson is a mercenary in the employ of Natla, played by Adrienne Wilkinson. He is the first character Lara meets on her hunt for the scion, and he is responsible for contacting her so the search can begin.
According to Raul Siqueira, Game Director at Crystal Dynamics, the arrangement is not what it seems. "Larson and Natla have an ulterior motive, and they mean to betray Lara Croft," Siqueira said. Larson also works alongside a partner, Pierre Dupont, and Siqueira said both men believe they can outsmart Lara, adding: "That doesn't really work out for them."
Players who defeat Larson will take his shotgun as a new weapon. Crystal Dynamics' Brendon Bengston said the visual design was built around a "gruff, down to earth, and gritty" feel, which led to Larson's flannel shirt, jeans, boots and the pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket. "We build the shapes and colour schemes on top of what that feeling is," Bengston said.
Chemistry with Lara Croft
Alix Wilton Regan, who plays Lara Croft, said Larson sees himself as more of an equal than he really is. "Larson thinks that he is my male counterpart, but he's really not," Wilton Regan said. She also suggested the pair share a mutual crush, and that "maybe in another universe, something might have happened there."
Jeff Adams, Experience Director at Crystal Dynamics, said Snedeker brought a strong presence to recording sessions. "Bradley brings the swagger," Adams said. "When he comes in, he owns the room, he sits wide, and he definitely makes his presence known." Adams added that it was "really fun to see how both Bradley and Alix play off each other," while Wilkinson said there was "definite chemistry" between the two characters.
Epps also explained what drives Larson's rivalry with Lara throughout the story. "Larson is a character who wants to make good," Epps said. "But he's never, at least to his mind, felt like he's fit in and gotten the kudos he deserves. And so he is very pointed at proving who he is."
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will launch on February 12th 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for the game are open now, and the full episode is available on the official Tomb Raider YouTube channel.
