Paramount Pictures has announced that Tomb Raider, the feature-film version of the popular Eidos video game series, officially began production in London this week. Simon West is directing Angelina Jolie in the role of Lara Croft. The release date is targeted for summer 2001.

Patrick Massett, John Zinman and West are credited for writing the screenplay. Iain Glen will play Powell, the film's arch-villain and the adversary of Lara's father, Lord Croft. Lara Croft's occasional accomplice and sidekick is played by Daniel Craig. Leslie Phillips will play Wilson, a former admirer of Lord Croft who has now turned against him and joined forces with Powell.

The cast and crew will travel to Cambodia and Iceland to shoot exterior sequences, as well as working on London locations. They will also shoot on the soundstages of Pinewood Studios outside London. To prepare for the role, Jolie has undertaken a strenuous training regimen, which includes gymnastics, bungee jumping, weapons, motorcycle riding, kickboxing, martial arts and weights. That's a pretty badass fitness program.

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