Sophie Turner has been officially announced as the new Lara Croft in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider series, marking the character’s debut in a television format. This adaptation represents the third significant reboot of the franchise, following Angelina Jolie’s portrayal in the early 2000s and Alicia Vikander’s more recent 2018 film reboot. Amazon’s project, created by Emmy-winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge, aims to bring fresh vigor to the iconic video game heroine for a new generation of audiences.
Turner expressed her excitement about the role, saying,
“I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft. She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I’ve got, 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. I can’t wait for you all to see what we have cooking.”
— Sophie Turner, Actress
Behind the Scenes: Creative Team and Production Details
The Tomb Raider television project is spearheaded by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known for her Emmy-winning work, who serves as creator and writer. Chad Hodge joins her as co-showrunner, bringing additional expertise to the adaptation. Directing duties for the first episodes will be handled by Jonathan Van Tulleken, acclaimed for his work on FX’s Shogun. Production is set to commence on January 19, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise, which has been quiet on the live-action front since Alicia Vikander’s film seven years ago.
Amazon MGM Studios leader Jennifer Salke described the series as “epic” and “globe-trotting,” underlining the broad and ambitious scope of the new adaptation. Sophie Turner secured the role in a final casting competition against Lucy Boynton. Waller-Bridge reflected on her personal connection to the series during an event in New York, stating,
“If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode. Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.”
— Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Creator and Writer
The series is rumored to favor realistic stunts over exaggerated CGI effects, aiming for authenticity in its action sequences. While the full cast has not been revealed, the involvement of top-tier creative talent indicates Amazon’s intent to deliver a high-quality reboot that honors the legacy of Lara Croft.
Tomb Raider’s Previous Cinematic Incarnations
Before Sophie Turner’s upcoming portrayal, the Lara Croft character appeared in two major film eras. The first era, led by Angelina Jolie, featured the 2001 blockbuster Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and its 2003 sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life. Jolie’s films showcased international locations like Cambodia’s Ta Prohm temple and England’s Hatfield House, blending high-action sequences with adventurous storytelling.
The 2001 film achieved a worldwide box office of $274.7 million on a $115 million budget, despite receiving modest reviews with a 20% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its sequel, featuring more refined stunts and advanced cinematography alongside a cameo by Jolie’s real-life father Jon Voight as Lara’s father, earned $160 million globally against a $95 million budget but did not replicate the original’s financial success.
The Alicia Vikander-Led Reboot’s Approach and Results
Following prolonged development challenges and rights issues, Alicia Vikander took on Lara Croft in the 2018 reboot, which shifted the tone toward a grittier and more grounded adventure. The film emphasized realistic stunts and an archaeology-driven storyline, differing notably from the earlier blockbusters’ style. It performed at the box office with a gross of $274.6 million worldwide, closely matching Jolie’s first film financially, despite a slightly lower $94 million budget.
However, due to expensive marketing campaigns and complex franchise rights problems, Vikander’s reboot did not lead to a follow-up installment. With Sophie Turner now stepping into the role, the upcoming Amazon series signals a renewed effort to revitalize the franchise in a new format and potentially expand the character’s appeal further.
The Future of Lara Croft and What to Expect from Amazon’s Series
Amazon’s Tomb Raider series represents a fresh chapter in the legacy of Lara Croft, led by a rising star known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones. The involvement of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Chad Hodge promises a well-crafted storytelling approach, while Jonathan Van Tulleken’s direction ensures high production values in the initial episodes. Although an official release date has not yet been announced, production is underway, with the series expected to blend action, authenticity, and character depth.
Amazon’s investment reflects confidence in the power of the Tomb Raider brand and Sophie Turner’s ability to reinvent the character for a modern audience. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how this television reboot will stand alongside the legacy left by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.
