Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Reveals Natla’s Calculated Ruthlessness in New Behind-the-Scenes Video

Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have released episode 7 of their behind-the-scenes documentary series for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, focusing on Jacqueline Natla, the game’s main antagonist. The video features actor Adrienne Wilkinson discussing her approach to the character, alongside insights from Game Director Raul Siqueira and Lead Narrative Designer Maria Boris-Piatkowska.

How Natla Takes Shape

Wilkinson noted that preparing for Natla required a different approach than previous roles she’s taken on, attributing this to the character’s deep history and passion. According to Siqueira, Wilkinson successfully portrays a character who balances softness with aggression—the kind of quiet anger that doesn’t need volume to land. Wilkinson emphasized the importance of recognizing that both Lara and Natla are intelligent, empowered characters who leverage their intellect and physicality as core strengths.

Boris-Piatkowska outlined the key differences in how these two characters operate. Natla is methodical and forward-thinking, planning everything in advance, carefully choosing her words, and remaining tactical enough to predict outcomes. Lara, by contrast, is more straightforward and charismatic in her approach—a contrast that Wilkinson sees as fundamental to why their story works. Despite their opposing personalities, the two share fundamental traits that make their dynamic compelling.

Why This Matters

The Natla character carries significant weight in the Tomb Raider franchise’s lore. Having a fully realized antagonist—one with a believable internal logic and motivations rooted in her backstory—elevates the stakes beyond simple combat encounters. The documentary’s focus on character development signals that Legacy of Atlantis is treating its narrative with the same care as its gameplay systems. This kind of behind-the-scenes transparency has become a standard way for studios to build player investment before launch.

The comparison between Natla and Lara also hints at how the game will explore their conflict. Two intelligent, capable women with opposite methodologies creates natural friction that can fuel compelling story moments. Where Lara might rely on intuition or improvisation, Natla’s calculated approach presents a rival who thinks several steps ahead—a more sophisticated threat than a purely aggressive antagonist.

The documentary series itself has been used to discuss other aspects of the game, including Lara’s iconic aesthetic and updates to the combat and progression systems. This multi-part format allows developers to explore different dimensions of the production without overwhelming players with information at once.

What’s Next

Players can expect more behind-the-scenes content as Legacy of Atlantis continues toward release, with future episodes potentially diving into other story elements, characters, or gameplay mechanics. The emphasis on character work suggests that narrative depth will be a key pillar of this entry in the franchise.