Sophie Turner Poised To Play Lara Croft in Amazon’s New "Tomb Raider" Series

Game Of Thrones Star In Talks To Take On The Role Angelina Jolie Originated

In a thrilling development for “Tomb Raider” fans, Sophie Turner, known for her standout role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, is reportedly in negotiations to star as the iconic Lara Croft in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series. The series is spearheaded by Emmy-winning writer and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, renowned for her work on Fleabag and Killing Eve, bringing high expectations for a fresh and dynamic take on the legendary adventurer.

A Passion Project for Phoebe Waller-Bridge

This Tomb Raider adaptation has been a personal passion project for Waller-Bridge, a long-time fan of the adventure game franchise who aims to bring Lara Croft’s daring exploits to life with a compelling, globe-trotting story arc. As both a fan and an acclaimed storyteller, Waller-Bridge is set to infuse the series with her signature blend of wit, complexity, and intensity, promising fans a unique experience with a character who has captivated audiences across games, films, and television for over two decades.

Waller-Bridge is not only the creator of the series but is also attached as a writer and executive producer, which means fans can expect a cohesive and immersive storyline under her creative guidance. According to reports, she may even take on the entire season’s writing duties, adding a layer of consistency and depth to the show’s narrative. Filming is expected to commence in early 2025, with a likely release date in late 2025 or early 2026.

Sophie Turner’s Edge as Lara Croft

Taking on the role of Lara Croft would place Sophie Turner among a prestigious line of actresses who have embodied the character. Turner’s competition for the role included noted talents such as Lucy Boynton, Emma Corrin, and Mackenzie Davis, all of whom bring unique qualities to the screen. Turner’s potential casting suggests a Croft that is not only physically capable but also equipped with an emotional depth fitting Waller-Bridge’s storytelling style. Turner's experience portraying a nuanced, resilient character like Sansa Stark aligns well with the courageous and multifaceted nature of Croft, making her a promising choice for the part.

If selected, Turner would follow in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, who brought the adventurer to life on the big screen. The new series, however, is expected to be more comprehensive, using a serial format to explore Croft's adventures in greater depth than was possible in previous film adaptations. Additionally, Amazon Prime Video’s format and the creative freedom that comes with streaming could provide an opportunity to showcase Croft’s story in novel ways that honor the game’s intricate world-building.

An Independent Series Among Lara Croft Adaptations

This Amazon Tomb Raider series will stand independently from Netflix’s recent anime adaptation of Tomb Raider, in which actress Hayley Atwell voices Croft. The Netflix adaptation, which has already been renewed for additional seasons, takes a different approach to the character, expanding her reach to audiences in animated form. Amazon’s series, however, promises a live-action treatment, presenting Lara’s iconic adventures in realistic settings that draw from the thrilling, immersive elements of the Tomb Raider video games.

Joining the Amazon production team are Jenny Robins, Dmitri M. Johnson, and Michael Scheel as executive producers, along with rights holders Legendary Television and Crystal Dynamics, the studio behind the Tomb Raider games. This collaboration between seasoned producers, rights holders, and a talented creative team led by Waller-Bridge hints at a visually striking and action-packed series that captures the essence of Lara Croft’s world.

A New Chapter for Lara Croft

This latest iteration of Tomb Raider marks a significant moment for fans, old and new alike. While Lara Croft’s character has undergone numerous evolutions across media—from Keeley Hawes and Camilla Luddington's portrayals in video games to Jolie and Vikander’s cinematic renditions—Waller-Bridge’s adaptation is expected to offer fresh layers to the character, blending her adventurous spirit with nuanced storytelling. Fans of the series can look forward to new dimensions of Croft’s character that both honor her classic attributes and bring out unexplored aspects of her story.

As anticipation builds, all eyes are on Amazon and Waller-Bridge’s creative team to deliver a standout series. Sophie Turner’s potential casting only adds to the excitement, as fans speculate on how she might bring the iconic role to life. Given the series’ early 2025 production schedule, viewers may need to wait a bit longer to experience this new take on Tomb Raider, but the collaboration between Waller-Bridge and Turner hints at something worth the wait.

With Sophie Turner poised to take on the role of Lara Croft and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s expertise in character-driven storytelling, Amazon Prime Video’s Tomb Raider series has the potential to redefine the franchise for the streaming age. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the games or new to Lara’s story, this series aims to deliver an unforgettable adventure.

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Source: Dark Horizons

Photo Credit: Amazon