Sophie Turner Cast as Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider Series

What a difference a few months make. According to Variety, Amazon’s live-action “Tomb Raider” series, which was believed to be “dead” as of April, is now gearing up for production, set to start in January 2026. The series will feature Sophie Turner, known for her breakout role in “Game of Thrones,” as the iconic protagonist, Lara Croft.

Turner emerged as a frontrunner for this coveted role back in 2024, rivaling Lucy Boynton, who portrayed Mary Austin in the critically acclaimed “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Expressing her excitement, Turner stated, “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.”

For context, Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander previously brought the character to life in earlier films. The series’ showrunner, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who has a reputation for crafting compelling narratives, will now share her role with co-showrunner Chag Hodge. The series will be directed and executive produced by Jonathan van Tulleken. Waller-Bridge remarked, “I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. 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.”

This casting news is particularly intriguing given previous reports suggesting the series had hit a dead end, with substantial investments made and no tangible progress. Neither Prime Video nor Waller-Bridge’s representatives commented on those reports at the time, but this development serves as a clear indication of the project’s revival and seriousness. Announcing a high-profile lead and a specific production start date—January 19, 2026—signals confidence in moving forward.

Vernon Sanders, head of global television at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, shared his enthusiasm: “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.”

Meanwhile, fans eagerly awaiting new “Tomb Raider” adventures in video game form may find their patience tested. A new game was announced in April 2022, with Amazon taking on publishing duties, yet details have been scarce. Developer Crystal Dynamics has faced challenges, including layoffs in March and August following the cancellation of the “Perfect Dark” reboot, which it was co-developing with The Initiative.

As the “Tomb Raider” series takes shape, excitement builds around what promises to be a thrilling new chapter for Lara Croft on screen, guided by a team deeply committed to honoring and expanding her legacy.