Tomb Raider: First look at Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft

Warner Bros have released the first look at actress Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in the new Tomb Raider movie.

Cargo pants, khaki vest and a daredevil attitude have been the character's trademarks since Tomb Raider was first introduced to games back in 1996.

Vikander, who has lately been seen wearing long dressed in period dramas, is now introduced to fans in a new light, carrying a mountain axe and covered in dust and dirt.

Photos published by Vanity Fair magazine also show Vikander wielding pieces of driftwood, a bow and an arrow.

The Swedish Oscar-winner will be taking over the role from Angelina Jolie, who first brought the character to the big screen in 2001's Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, reprising it two years later for The Cradle Of Life.

At the time, both movies received less than positive reviews, with some calling it "silly" and "disappointing".

Director Roar Uthaug, who has taken on the task of directing this next chapter, called Vikander's Croft "brilliant", and has high hopes for the franchise.

"She brings great depth to a complex role that is both physically and emotionally demanding," he said.

"The film is an origin story for the big screen, focusing not only on Lara's strength and physical accomplishments but her humanity."

Tomb Raider will focus on Lara's search for her father, seven years after his disappearance off the coast of Japan.

"We see Lara as a young woman, smart and capable but largely unfocused, and follow her on a dangerous journey that will push her to her limits in every sense, and allow her to hone the skills she needs to ultimately become who she was meant to be," Uthaug said.

Vikander, who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her portrayal of Danish painter Gerda Wegener in Tom Hooper's The Danish Girl, said she was excited to take on such an "iconic role".

"When I was asked to take on this role I got really excited. Lara Croft is a truly iconic character," Vikander told Vanity Fair.

"I think people can identify with her for lots of different reasons, but for me I very much see her as a model for many young women," she added.

"She's trying to carve out her place in the world and connect her future with her past. She also has a fantastic mix of traits - tough, smart, vulnerable, plus she's kick a**!"

Tomb Raider is due to be released in 2018.