Published: September 4, 2025 | Streaming & Entertainment | Buzzopedia
After months of speculation and development limbo, Amazon Prime Video has officially confirmed that Sophie Turner will step into the iconic boots of Lara Croft for its upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series. The announcement marks a major turning point for the franchise and sets the stage for a bold new chapter in Croft’s legacy.
From Westeros to Ruins: Turner Takes the Lead
Best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones and Jean Grey in the X-Men films, Turner brings both regal intensity and action-ready grit to the role of Lara Croft. In her official statement, she expressed deep reverence for the character’s legacy:
“She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many—and I am giving everything I’ve got.”
Turner also acknowledged the powerhouse performances of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, calling them “massive shoes to fill.” But with Emmy-winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the helm, she added, “we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands.”
Production Begins January 2026
Amazon confirmed that production will kick off on January 19, 2026, following a rocky development phase that included multiple writers rooms and the departure of studio head Jennifer Salke. The series had been rumored “dead” earlier this year, but the official casting and production date have reignited fan excitement.
Creative Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
The series will be led by:
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, No Time to Die) as showrunner and executive producer.
- Chad Hodge (Wayward Pines, Good Behavior) as co-showrunner.
- Jonathan van Tulleken (Shogun) as director and executive producer.
Waller-Bridge described the team as “outrageous, brave, and hilarious,” promising a Lara Croft who’s as emotionally complex as she is physically unstoppable.
“Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…”
Amazon’s Tomb Raider Universe Expands
This series is just one piece of Amazon’s larger Tomb Raider strategy. In partnership with Crystal Dynamics, Amazon Games is developing a new Tomb Raider video game using Unreal Engine 5—the first major entry since 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Developers promise it will be “the biggest, most expansive Tomb Raider game to date.”
Turner’s Return to Franchise Television
For Turner, this role marks a triumphant return to franchise TV after her critically acclaimed performance in Joan, where she portrayed real-life jewel thief Joan Hannington. Though Joan earned rave reviews, ITV confirmed it won’t return for a second season due to cast scheduling conflicts.
With Lara Croft, Turner steps into a role that blends action, intellect, and emotional depth—perfectly suited to her evolving screen presence.
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The Tomb Raider series doesn’t have a release date yet, but with production locked for early 2026, a 2027 premiere seems likely. One thing’s certain: Lara Croft is back—and she’s bringing a whole new kind of firepower.