Sophie Turner to Star as Lara Croft in Amazon's 'Tomb Raider' Series
Sophie Turner, known for her captivating performances as Sansa Stark in "Game of Thrones" and Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix in the "X-Men" franchise, is set to embark on a new adventure. She will portray the legendary Lara Croft in Amazon Prime Video's upcoming "Tomb Raider" series.
Amazon officially announced the casting of Turner, aged 29, on September 3rd, igniting excitement among fans of the beloved video game franchise. Lara Croft, the intelligent and athletic archaeologist with a penchant for uncovering ancient secrets, has been a prominent figure in gaming and popular culture for nearly three decades.
The series boasts a stellar creative team, led by the acclaimed Phoebe Waller-Bridge of "Fleabag" fame, who will serve as creator, writer, and co-showrunner. Jonathan Van Tulleken, known for his directorial work on "Dope Thief" and "Shōgun," is set to direct the series. Production is slated to begin on January 19, 2026.
In a released statement, Turner expressed her enthusiasm for the role: "I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the shoes of Lara Croft. She is such an iconic character who holds a special place in the hearts of many, and I am committed to giving this role my all. I know that I have big boots to fill, following Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander who gave such powerful performances, but with Phoebe guiding us, we are all in safe hands."
Further details about the series, including the rest of the cast and the official release date, are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
This new series marks the latest adaptation of the "Tomb Raider" franchise, continuing its journey from video games to the screen. The initial cinematic endeavor, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," starring Angelina Jolie, was released in 2001 and achieved significant success, grossing $275 million worldwide. The sequel, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life," released by Paramount Pictures, earned a more modest $160 million.
Warner Bros. rebooted the film franchise in 2018 with "Tomb Raider," starring Alicia Vikander. This film achieved similar financial success to the original, earning $275 million in global ticket sales.
Previous Actresses Who Embodied Lara Croft
Before Turner, the role of Lara Croft was notably portrayed by Alicia Vikander (2018) and Angelina Jolie (2001 and 2003).
Vikander's portrayal in the 2018 origin story aimed for a more contemporary and relatable depiction of Lara Croft. Speaking to USA TODAY, Vikander explained how her character's look shifted naturally to connect with a 2018 audience.
Vikander's Lara Croft was depicted as a resourceful East London bike messenger on a quest to find her missing father (played by Dominic West). She was initially presented in practical attire: a tank top and khaki combat trousers.
To prepare for the role, Vikander underwent rigorous training. Her initial goal was to achieve a single pull-up, which she had never done before. Surpassing her own expectations, she eventually managed to complete six. She then immersed herself in MMA training, archery, weightlifting, cardio, and followed a high-protein, sugar-free diet.
Despite Vikander's interest in reprising the role, plans for a sequel were reportedly abandoned, and MGM (now under Amazon's ownership) lost the rights to the intellectual property in 2022.
