Sophie Turner has officially been cast as Lara Croft in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series, with production scheduled to begin on January 19, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Sophie Turner will star as Lara Croft in Prime Video’s new Tomb Raider series, bringing her Game of Thrones and X-Men experience to the iconic role.
- Production begins January 19, 2026, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge serving as creator, writer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge.
- This is the first television adaptation of Tomb Raider, allowing for deeper character development than previous film versions starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.
- Amazon MGM Studios has invested tens of millions in development costs alone, positioning the series as a cornerstone of their Prime Video original content strategy.
- The series aims to honor the franchise’s legacy while introducing fresh adventures, continuing Lara Croft’s cultural impact that spans nearly three decades across gaming, film, and other media.
Sophie Turner Steps Into the Role of Lara Croft
The casting announcement comes after months of speculation and growing anticipation around the project. Sophie Turner’s selection demonstrates Amazon’s intent to secure top-tier talent for its expanding slate of original content. With high-profile credits in Game of Thrones and X-Men, Turner is no stranger to physically demanding roles and emotionally rich characters. Her impressive credentials make her a compelling choice to embody the iconic archaeologist-turned-adventurer.
Creative Powerhouse Behind the Series
The involvement of Phoebe Waller-Bridge as creator, writer, and co-showrunner adds critical creative gravitas. Best known for her award-winning work on shows like Fleabag and Killing Eve, Waller-Bridge is recognized for crafting complex characters and engaging narratives. Her partnership with Chad Hodge signals a dynamic collaboration poised to reinvent Tomb Raider for a new generation. The blend of Turner’s screen presence and Waller-Bridge’s writing prowess could result in one of Prime Video’s most ambitious and compelling series to date.
Amazon’s Strategic Investment
Backed by Amazon’s Prime Video, the Tomb Raider series is part of a larger strategy to dominate the action-adventure genre on streaming platforms. With a financial investment reportedly in the tens of millions just in development, the studio is clearly confident in the franchise’s potential. The project aims to capture a global audience by blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling and high production values.
By diving into long-form storytelling for Lara Croft, the series will explore facets of the character that previous film iterations could only hint at. As a cultural icon whose legacy spans nearly 30 years, Lara Croft is set to receive a deeper, more serialized portrayal that may set a new standard for video game adaptations on television.
Sophie Turner Takes on the Iconic Role of Lara Croft
Sophie Turner has officially been cast as Lara Croft in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series, with production set to begin on January 19, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the actress’s career as she steps into one of gaming and cinema’s most recognizable roles.
Turner brings considerable experience to this high-profile casting. Her portrayal of Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones showcased her ability to evolve a character through complex storylines and intense action sequences. Additionally, her performance as Jean Grey in the X-Men films demonstrated her capability with superhero-style action and special effects-heavy productions. These roles have prepared her well for the physical demands and dramatic range required for Lara Croft.
Amazon MGM Studios confirmed Turner’s casting directly, emphasizing their confidence in her ability to bring fresh energy to the legendary adventurer. Turner herself expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project, stating she is “thrilled beyond measure” to take on this iconic character. Her excitement reflects the significance of joining such a beloved franchise that has captivated audiences across multiple media formats.
Continuing the Legacy of Lara Croft
Turner follows in the footsteps of previous actresses who have brought Lara Croft to the big screen. The character’s cinematic journey includes memorable performances by both Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, each bringing their own interpretation to the role. However, this marks the first time Lara Croft will be developed specifically for a television series format, allowing for deeper character development and more extensive storytelling opportunities.
Prime Video’s investment in this Tomb Raider series aligns with their strategy of expanding their library of action-driven originals. The streaming platform has shown commitment to producing high-quality content that appeals to global audiences, and the Tomb Raider franchise offers exactly that kind of international recognition and appeal. Netflix’s recent gaming expansions demonstrate how streaming services are increasingly investing in properties with strong gaming connections.
The timing of production starting in January 2026 suggests Amazon MGM Studios is taking a careful approach to development. This timeline allows for thorough pre-production planning, including:
- Extensive stunt choreography
- Location scouting
- Special effects preparation
These elements will be essential for bringing Lara Croft’s adventures to life authentically.
Turner’s casting represents more than just filling a role – it signals a new chapter for the Tomb Raider franchise. Her proven track record with both fantasy and action genres positions her well to handle the character’s dual nature as both an intellectual archaeologist and a physically capable adventurer. The series format will likely allow for more character backstory and relationship development than previous film adaptations could accommodate.
The live-action series approach offers unique advantages for storytelling. Unlike the constraints of a two-hour film, the episodic format can explore Lara Croft’s various adventures in greater detail while building an overarching narrative. This format also allows for the kind of character development that made Turner’s previous roles so compelling to audiences.
Amazon MGM Studios’ backing ensures the production will have the resources necessary to create the spectacular action sequences and exotic locations that Tomb Raider fans expect. The studio’s track record with large-scale productions suggests they understand the importance of maintaining the franchise’s signature elements while introducing fresh perspectives through Turner’s interpretation of the character.
This casting announcement has generated significant anticipation among both Tomb Raider fans and Turner’s existing fanbase. The combination of a beloved character, a talented actress with proven action experience, and a major studio’s support creates promising conditions for a successful adaptation that honors the source material while bringing something new to the franchise.
Powerhouse Creative Team Brings Tomb Raider to Prime Video
The upcoming Tomb Raider series benefits from an exceptional creative lineup that promises to deliver both thrilling action and sophisticated storytelling. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the mastermind behind critically acclaimed series like Fleabag and Killing Eve, takes the helm as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner. Her involvement signals a fresh approach to the franchise, bringing her renowned ability to craft sharp dialogue and multifaceted characters to Lara Croft’s world.
Collaborative Leadership Structure
Chad Hodge joins Waller-Bridge as co-showrunner and executive producer, contributing his extensive experience from projects including Single All the Way and Wayward Pines. This partnership combines Waller-Bridge’s character-driven storytelling with Hodge’s proven track record in managing complex television productions. Jonathan van Tulleken rounds out the core creative team as director and executive producer, bringing his visual expertise from acclaimed series like Shogun and Big Sky.
Amazon’s Strategic Content Expansion
Amazon MGM Studios continues its ambitious push into high-concept entertainment with this Tomb Raider adaptation under the Prime Video banner. The streaming giant has been aggressively expanding its original content portfolio, particularly in genre-focused programming that appeals to global audiences. Netflix’s recent gaming expansions demonstrate how streaming platforms are diversifying their entertainment offerings beyond traditional series.
I expect this creative team’s combined expertise will result in a Tomb Raider series that balances heart-pounding adventure sequences with the witty, character-driven storytelling that has become Waller-Bridge’s signature. Her track record of creating strong, complex female protagonists aligns perfectly with modernizing Lara Croft for contemporary audiences. The collaboration between these accomplished creators suggests fans can anticipate an adaptation that honors the franchise’s action-adventure roots while introducing fresh narrative elements and humor that will distinguish it from previous iterations.
Following in the Footsteps of Previous Lara Croft Stars
Sophie Turner steps into a role that carries significant weight in entertainment history. I’ve watched this character evolve across multiple decades and platforms, each actress bringing distinct qualities that resonate with different audiences.
Angelina Jolie first captured global attention as the archaeologist-adventurer in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and its sequel The Cradle of Life (2003). These films established the template for big-budget video game adaptations, emphasizing spectacular action sequences and exotic locations. Jolie’s portrayal focused on Croft’s aristocratic background and physical prowess, creating an iconic version that defined the character for an entire generation.
The franchise underwent a significant transformation when Alicia Vikander assumed the role in 2018. Her interpretation drew heavily from the 2013 Tomb Raider video game reboot, which reimagined Croft as a more vulnerable and determined survivor. Vikander’s performance emphasized emotional depth and realistic combat, presenting a grittier version that appealed to modern audiences seeking character development alongside adventure. This approach proved that the character could adapt to contemporary storytelling preferences while maintaining her core appeal.
Expanding Into Animation and Television
Hayley Atwell brought fresh energy to the character through voice acting in the recent Netflix anime series. Her portrayal demonstrated how animation could explore different aspects of Croft’s personality while maintaining the action-adventure elements fans expect. The animated format allowed for more stylized storytelling and visual creativity that live-action productions sometimes struggle to achieve.
Turner’s upcoming television series represents another evolution in this legacy. She inherits a character that has successfully transitioned from video games to blockbuster films to animation, proving the enduring appeal of Lara Croft across different media formats. Each previous actress established unique elements that Turner can build upon while creating her own interpretation.
The television format offers advantages that previous portrayals couldn’t fully exploit. Extended storytelling allows for deeper character development and more complex narratives than typical film constraints permit. Turner can explore Croft’s relationships, motivations, and personal growth across multiple episodes rather than condensing everything into a two-hour runtime.
Previous adaptations showed different facets of the character’s appeal:
- Angelina Jolie emphasized the larger-than-life adventurer aspect.
- Alicia Vikander focused on the human elements of survival and determination.
- Hayley Atwell explored the character’s wit and intelligence through voice performance.
Turner’s interpretation will likely combine elements from all these approaches while adding her own distinctive qualities.
The streaming landscape has changed dramatically since the last live-action Tomb Raider film. Television productions now command significant budgets and attract A-list talent, allowing for production values that rival major motion pictures. This environment provides Turner with resources and creative freedom that previous actresses might not have enjoyed.
Turner’s casting suggests confidence in her ability to handle both the physical demands and emotional complexity that define modern interpretations of Lara Croft. Her previous work demonstrates range and intensity that should serve the character well. The television format also allows audiences to develop stronger connections with characters over time, potentially creating the most immersive Lara Croft experience yet.
Each actress who portrayed Lara Croft contributed something valuable to the character’s evolution. Turner inherits this rich foundation while facing the challenge of creating something fresh and compelling for contemporary audiences. The success of recent gaming adaptations suggests strong audience appetite for well-executed video game properties, positioning Turner’s series for potential success.
The Cultural Impact of the Tomb Raider Franchise
Since her debut in 1996, Lara Croft has evolved into one of the most recognizable video game characters across the globe. Her character has driven over a dozen video game titles that blend intense action sequences with intricate puzzle-solving and thrilling treasure hunting adventures. This combination has created a distinctive gaming experience that sets the Tomb Raider franchise apart from other action-adventure series.
The franchise’s influence extends far beyond gaming consoles. Hollywood has embraced Lara Croft through major motion pictures, while animated series have brought her adventures to television screens worldwide. Comic book publishers have crafted bestselling series featuring her exploits, and merchandising has made her image available on everything from collectible figures to clothing lines. This multimedia expansion demonstrates the character’s versatility and broad appeal across different entertainment formats.
A Global Icon of Adventure
Lara Croft’s cultural significance stems from her representation of bravery, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. She broke traditional stereotypes when she first appeared, presenting a strong female protagonist in an industry dominated by male characters. Her influence has inspired countless other games to feature capable female leads, fundamentally shifting how developers approach character design and storytelling.
The upcoming Prime Video series represents another milestone in this expansion. Vernon Sanders of Amazon MGM Studios emphasizes that the production aims to “honor the beloved Tomb Raider legacy while delivering fresh adventures to fans worldwide.” This approach acknowledges the franchise’s established cultural footprint while recognizing the need to evolve with contemporary audiences.
The brand’s global fanbase continues to demonstrate remarkable loyalty and enthusiasm. Sales milestones across games, movies, and merchandise reveal the franchise’s sustained commercial success over nearly three decades. Gaming conventions frequently feature extensive Tomb Raider displays, while cosplay communities regularly celebrate Lara Croft as one of their most popular characters.
The franchise has also influenced broader cultural conversations about adventure, archaeology, and exploration. Educational institutions have noted increased interest in archaeology programs following major Tomb Raider releases, though they’re quick to distinguish between fictional adventures and actual archaeological practices. Museums have capitalized on this interest by creating exhibitions that connect ancient civilizations with popular culture references.
This cultural impact positions the new series within a rich legacy that spans multiple generations of fans. The production team faces the exciting challenge of maintaining the adventurous spirit that made Lara Croft an icon while introducing her to audiences who may be discovering her for the first time through streaming platforms.
The Long Road to Production: Development Challenges and Investment
The journey to bring Lara Croft back to screens has been anything but straightforward. I’ve observed how this ambitious Tomb Raider series has navigated an extensive development process that’s stretched over two years, demonstrating Amazon’s serious commitment to creating a standout original production.
Extensive Creative Development and Collaboration
Amazon MGM Studios orchestrated multiple writers rooms during the development phase, each contributing to the complex task of adapting the beloved video game franchise for television. This collaborative approach involved numerous creative professionals working to capture the essence of Lara Croft while crafting a narrative that would resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
The supervision process remained intensive throughout development, with studio executives maintaining close oversight of every creative decision. Former studio chief Jennifer Salke spearheaded much of this creative undertaking during her tenure, providing strategic direction that shaped the series’ overall vision. Her leadership proved crucial in maintaining the project’s momentum through various creative challenges and revisions.
Significant Financial Investment and Strategic Planning
Amazon’s financial commitment to this project has been substantial, with development costs alone reaching tens of millions of dollars. This massive investment reflects the streaming giant’s strategic approach to building marquee content for Prime Video. The development cost demonstrates Amazon’s understanding that creating premium original content requires significant upfront investment, particularly when adapting beloved intellectual property.
The financial backing extends beyond simple development expenses. Amazon MGM Studios has positioned this series as a cornerstone of their streaming expansion strategy, viewing it as essential content that could drive subscriber growth and retention. This long-term planning approach indicates the studio’s confidence in the project’s potential impact on their platform.
Jennifer Salke’s involvement in shepherding the series through its most critical development phases proved instrumental in securing necessary resources and maintaining executive support. Her expected departure in early 2025 marks a significant transition point for the project, though the groundwork she established should continue supporting the series as it moves into production.
The production challenges faced during development weren’t merely creative hurdles. Coordinating multiple writers rooms while maintaining narrative consistency required careful project management and clear communication channels. Amazon’s willingness to invest heavily in this coordination process shows their commitment to delivering a high-quality adaptation that honors the source material while offering fresh perspectives.
This significant investment in development alone signals Amazon’s broader ambitions for Prime Video Originals. The streaming service has been actively pursuing high-profile adaptations and original content that can compete with established platforms. Projects like Netflix’s gaming initiatives have shown how entertainment companies are expanding across different media formats, making Amazon’s investment in game-based content particularly strategic.
The two-year development timeline, while lengthy, allowed for thorough creative exploration and refinement. This extended process enabled the creative teams to address potential adaptation challenges before moving into full production. The time investment also provided opportunities for extensive character development and world-building that should benefit the final product.
Amazon’s approach to this project represents a calculated risk that could pay significant dividends. The combination of substantial financial backing, experienced leadership, and careful creative development positions the Tomb Raider series as a potential flagship offering for Prime Video. The streaming landscape continues evolving, and Amazon’s willingness to invest heavily in established franchises demonstrates their commitment to securing premium content that can drive platform growth and subscriber engagement.
Sources:
Gamespot: “Game Of Thrones Star Sophie Turner Confirmed To Play Lara Croft In TV Series”
IGN: “Game of Thrones, X-Men Star Sophie Turner Confirmed to Play Lara Croft in Amazon’s Tomb Raider Series”
Empire: “Sophie Turner Cast As Lara Croft In Tomb Raider Series”
TombRaider.com: “Sophie Turner confirmed as Lara Croft in upcoming Prime Video new series”
