Sophie Turner to Lead Amazon’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Series as Lara Croft
Sophie Turner to turn heads as she has officially been cast as Lara Croft in the upcoming live-action Tomb Raider TV series produced by Prime Video / Amazon MGM Studios.
Production is set to begin on January 19, 2026.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge will write, executive produce, and co-showrun the show, joined by co-showrunner Chad Hodge and director/executive producer Jonathan Van Tulleken.
Turner has acknowledged the weight of the role, saying:
“They’re massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia with their powerhouse performances, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands.”
Putting this casting into context, several indicators suggest this series could reshape how Tomb Raider is perceived in both pop culture and streaming strategy.
First, Amazon’s move confirms its continued bet on adapting video game IP for prestige television. Fallout, God of War, Creator/Destroyer anthology etc., are part of the same trend.
Second, Turner is not untested in high-profile roles, but she inherits a legacy. Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander played Lara in big screen versions, each bringing different interpretations. Turner’s comments show she is aware of expectations and seems inclined to honor that legacy while making the part her own.
Third, Waller-Bridge’s involvement suggests the tone might shift. She’s described the show as “outrageous, brave, and hilarious,” and the team says they are “wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is.”
That implies there may be stronger character work, emotional stakes, and humor than some earlier Tomb Raider adaptations, which often emphasized action and spectacle. That could appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Finally, starting production in 2026 gives the series time to build, promote, cast supporting roles, and ensure production quality. There is no confirmed release date yet.
Challenges ahead: the burden of fans’ expectations will be high. Lara Croft is one of the most iconic female video-game characters; failure to balance homage with originality may draw criticism.
Also, although Turner has star power, matching physicality, action choreography, and the adventure ethos will matter. The previous film adaptations had mixed reception: they were commercially successful at times, but reviews often pointed out narrative weaknesses or over-dependence on spectacle.
If Amazon gets the tone, pacing, and character arcs right, this could renew interest in Tomb Raider beyond games and films, especially among streaming audiences who demand more grounded backstories and richer character arcs.
Sophie Turner’s casting, aligned with Waller-Bridge’s creative leadership, signals that Tomb Raider is entering a phase where identity, character depth, and tone may be as important as action and adventure.
Viewers and fans should pay attention to how the choices for the supporting cast, the writing, and the production design evolve, as these elements will determine whether this adaptation becomes a must-watch or just another revival of existing intellectual property.
