Sophie Turner is officially Lara Croft.
Amazon MGM Studios just dropped the first look at the Game of Thrones star fully transformed into gaming’s most legendary adventurer, and fans are already buzzing.
The reveal comes as production kicks off on Prime Video’s highly anticipated Tomb Raider series—a project that’s been years in the making and promises to bring fresh energy to the iconic franchise.
With Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the helm and a star-studded cast including Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs, this isn’t just another video game adaptation.
Turner Lands Role After Competitive Search
Landing the role of Lara Croft wasn’t handed to Turner on a silver platter.
Amazon MGM Studios conducted an extensive, highly competitive search before selecting the British actress to embody archaeology’s most fearless icon. Turner beat out countless contenders to claim the cargo pants and dual pistols that defined a generation of gamers.
The newly released images show Turner in Croft’s signature look—practical yet unmistakably adventurous. She’s captured in what appears to be classic Tomb Raider territory: rugged, mysterious, ready for whatever ancient trap lies around the corner.
Powerhouse Creative Team Behind the Series
Phoebe Waller-Bridge isn’t just lending her name to this project.
The Emmy-winning writer serves as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. Her track record with Fleabag and Killing Eve suggests viewers can expect sharp dialogue, complex character development, and probably some unexpectedly dark humor woven into Croft’s adventures.
Jonathan Van Tulleken takes on directing and executive producing duties, bringing additional creative firepower to what’s shaping up as one of Prime Video’s most ambitious projects.
The production represents a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, Crystal Dynamics (the game developer), Wells Street Films, Story Kitchen, and Legendary Television—a partnership that signals significant investment in getting this adaptation right.
Star-Studded Cast Joins Turner
Turner won’t be raiding tombs alone.
The series has assembled an impressive ensemble that reads like a who’s who of prestige television and film:
- Sigourney Weaver – The Alien legend brings instant gravitas
- Jason Isaacs – Harry Potter’s Lucius Malfoy adds menace
- Martin Bobb-Semple – Rising talent from British television
- Jack Bannon – Known for Pennyworth
- Celia Imrie – Veteran character actress with decades of experience
- Sasha Luss – Model-turned-actress from Anna
The cast also includes John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Juliette Motamed, and August Wittgenstein—a roster that suggests multiple storylines and rich character interactions beyond Croft’s solo adventures.
From Gaming Icon to Streaming Sensation
The Tomb Raider franchise has captivated audiences since 1996.
Lara Croft became gaming’s first female action hero to achieve mainstream recognition, eventually spawning multiple films, comics, and now this series. The character follows archaeologist-adventurer Croft as she explores ancient ruins, solves deadly puzzles, and battles those who’d exploit historical artifacts for power.
Previous film adaptations starred Angelina Jolie and later Alicia Vikander, each bringing distinct interpretations to the role. Turner’s version promises something different entirely—a long-form series format that allows for deeper character exploration and more complex storytelling than feature films permit.
Amazon greenlit the series in 2024, betting big on both the franchise’s built-in fanbase and the creative team’s ability to attract new viewers unfamiliar with Croft’s legacy.
What This Means for Video Game Adaptations
Video game adaptations have experienced a renaissance lately.
The Last of Us dominated HBO, Fallout crushed on Prime Video, and Arcane earned critical acclaim on Netflix. Studios finally understand that respecting source material while making bold creative choices produces the best results.
The Tomb Raider series arrives with advantages those projects didn’t have: direct involvement from Crystal Dynamics ensures game authenticity, while Waller-Bridge’s creative control promises sophisticated storytelling that transcends typical action-adventure fare.
Turner herself brings proven acting chops from eight seasons as Sansa Stark, a character who evolved from naive teenager to hardened political player—not unlike Croft’s journey from privilege to hardened adventurer.
Production Underway, Release Date TBD
With cameras now rolling, fans face the agonizing wait for actual footage.
Amazon MGM Studios hasn’t announced a premiere date, though production timelines for ambitious series like this typically mean 12-18 months between filming and release. Factor in post-production effects for action sequences and ancient tomb CGI, and late 2025 or early 2026 seems realistic.
The first-look images serve their purpose: generating excitement and proving Turner looks the part. Whether she can capture Croft’s blend of intelligence, athleticism, and sardonic wit remains to be seen, but the pieces are certainly in place for something special.
For now, fans have these tantalizing glimpses of Turner in costume—and the knowledge that one of television’s most talented creative minds is crafting Lara Croft’s next chapter.