Originally conceived as a training ground for first-time players, Croft Manor has become one of the most iconic elements of the Tomb Raider franchise since its debut in the original 1996 game. Over the years, the Manor has undergone several transformations, with each new era of Tomb Raider offering a fresh take on its design and making it unique for that timeline.  

To explore the creative process behind this distinct interpretation of Croft Manor, crafted specifically for Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, we spoke with the show’s executive producer and writer, Tasha Huo, about the choices that brought this iconic location to life in a fresh new way.  

Q: How does The Legend of Lara Croft version of Croft Manor stand out from previous versions?  

Tasha: The beauty of the Croft Manor we’ve created for the show is that it’s heavily inspired and influenced by all the parts of the estate the crew and I have explored in the games growing up while also being a unique version created just for the show. For that reason, it should feel both joyfully and comfortably familiar while also exciting you as we explore new areas and build out the Manor in ways we never got to fully explore in the games.  

Q: Was there a particular version of Croft Manor that inspired you the most when creating the one we see in Legend of Lara Croft?  

Tasha: The inspiration for Croft Manor really came from every era of Tomb Raider, including the movies. Who can forget Angelina Jolie’s fight from the rafters in the movie, or the training area and secret rooms from the games?   

My absolute goal is to somehow work in her uniquely creative pool in future seasons, and to further explore all the undiscovered corridors and secrets that the Crofts have hidden in these walls.  

We also reached out to Powerhouse Animation to see if they could share some of the Easter eggs hidden in Croft Manor. 

The portrait of Lord and Lady Croft with young Lara in the Croft Manor’s artifact vault is evocative of the portrait seen in Tomb Raider: Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld Croft Manor’s main hall.  

This room features another Easter egg in the form of the Illuminati eye symbol on the underside of a longboard, similar to the one seen in the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) film.

One of the hallways in the Croft Manor displays several Egyptian artifacts that many players will recognize. The artifact is featured in the Obelisk of Khamoon level, which appears in both the original Tomb Raider (1996) and Tomb Raider: Anniversary. In the original game, it is called the Ankh, while in Anniversary, it is known as the Ankh of Isis.

Beneath it are three canopic jars, which appear as artifacts in both Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, where they are used to contain fragments of Osiris.

The wooden ship featured in the first episode is inspired by and further expands upon the one players can explore as young Lara during the Croft Manor section of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. 

Powerhouse Animation also shared their initial style test to show their planned style for background during the pre-visual development.

There are many more Easter eggs hidden within the Croft Manor premises in Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. Did you catch them all? What are some of your favorites? 

Sound off on social and let us know!   

Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | TikTok  

Movies & TV

Netflix