Prime Video has tapped Sophie Turner to star as Lara Croft in its upcoming Tomb Raider television series, ushering in a new era for the iconic video game franchise.
With production slated to begin on January 19, 2026, the series is spearheaded by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the acclaimed creator of Fleabag and Killing Eve, who serves as writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner.
“I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team,” Waller-Bridge shared. “It’s not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving. Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is. Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…”
Turner, known for her roles as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones and Jean Grey in the X-Men films, expressed her enthusiasm for stepping into the adventurer’s boots. “I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft,” she said. “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 [Jolie] and Alicia [Vikander] 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.”
Following Jolie’s iconic portrayal in the 2001 and 2003 films and Vikander’s gritty take in the 2018 reboot, Turner’s casting promises a fresh interpretation of the archaeologist known for her courage and resolve. Waller-Bridge, known for her signature wit and emotional depth, is no stranger to crafting strong and complex female characters for screen.
The series boasts a solid creative team, with Chad Hodge (Wayward Pines, The Playboy Club) joining Waller-Bridge as co-showrunner and executive producer, and Jonathan Van Tulleken (Shōgun, The Outlaws) directing and executive producing.
Vernon Sanders, Head of Global Television at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, underscored the project’s significance: “Lara Croft is one of the most recognizable and iconic video game characters of all time. We are thrilled to have the wonderfully talented Sophie Turner bring this character to life who is defined by her courage, strength, and unshakable resolve. Led by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this series will honor the beloved Tomb Raider legacy while delivering fresh adventures to fans worldwide.”
Based on the Tomb Raider video game franchise, which launched in 1996 and has sold over 95 million copies worldwide, the series will follow Lara Croft on high-stakes adventures filled with danger, mystery, and action.
Crystal Dynamics, the game’s developer, is executive producing alongside Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robins through Wells Street Productions, Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Timothy I. Stevenson via Story Kitchen, Michael Scheel, and Legendary Television.
The production is a collaboration between Story Kitchen, Crystal Dynamics, and Amazon MGM Studios.
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