For fans of classic video games and bold female icons, the first official look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider series has sent a wave of nostalgia rippling across the internet. Released on January 15, 2026, by both BBC News and No Film School, the image reveals Turner fully embracing the legendary archaeologist’s signature look: a green (sometimes called teal) tank top, brown thigh-length shorts, dual pistols holstered at her sides, a small leather backpack, and those unmistakable red-tinted circular sunglasses. This visual throwback is more than just a costume choice—it’s a deliberate nod to the 1996 PlayStation classic that made Lara Croft a household name and a trailblazer for women in gaming.
Turner, best known for her roles as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones and Jean Grey in the X-Men films, was announced as the new Lara Croft in September 2025. According to BBC News, production on the series is now underway, with Prime Video confirming that the show will also star Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, and Celia Imrie. The creative force behind the script is none other than Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the mind behind Fleabag and a co-writer for No Time To Die. Waller-Bridge’s involvement has fans expecting a blend of sharp wit and pulse-pounding adventure, promising a Lara Croft who’s as clever as she is courageous.
Waller-Bridge herself expressed just how personal this project is for her, stating, “If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode. ‘Tomb Raider’ has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.” Her words, reported by No Film School, capture the sense of responsibility and excitement felt by the creative team as they revive one of gaming’s most iconic heroines for a new generation.
The decision to return to Lara’s original look is no accident. The classic teal tank top and brown shorts—along with the dual pistols and circular sunglasses—are instantly recognizable to anyone who played the original Tomb Raider or saw Angelina Jolie’s turn in the early 2000s films. Over the years, Lara Croft has evolved, with Oscar winner Alicia Vikander offering a grittier, more grounded portrayal in 2018. Yet, as No Film School notes, Turner’s version is a blast from the past, designed to spark nostalgia and reignite the sense of adventure that defined the franchise’s early days.
Turner herself acknowledges the weight of the role, telling BBC News that stepping into Lara Croft’s boots means filling “massive shoes,” following in the footsteps of Jolie and Vikander. To prepare, Turner has reportedly undergone a rigorous training regimen, “training like an athlete” to embody Lara’s acrobatic, powerhouse persona, as detailed by No Film School. The physicality of the role isn’t just for show; it’s a core part of what made Lara Croft such a groundbreaking character in the first place.
The original Tomb Raider game, developed by UK company Core Design and released in 1996, was revolutionary in more ways than one. At a time when female protagonists in video games were rare, Lara Croft stood out—not just for her athletic prowess and intelligence, but for her unapologetic confidence. She graced magazine covers, inspired countless cosplayers, and became a symbol of empowerment for gamers around the globe. As BBC News recounts, the franchise was rebooted in 2013, placing more emphasis on character development and a “grounded” look, but the core elements that made Lara an icon have proven enduring.
The new Prime Video series isn’t just a one-off gamble. It’s part of a broader trend of video game adaptations that have found success in recent years. Amazon’s streaming platform has already struck gold with its adaptation of Fallout, which recently debuted its second season. In the same week as the Tomb Raider reveal, Amazon announced that Ryan Hurst will star as Kratos in its adaptation of the PlayStation hit God of War. These shows don’t just bring beloved stories to life—they also drive renewed interest in the games themselves. According to BBC News, adaptations like these often encourage both longtime fans and newcomers to revisit the source material.
And there’s more on the horizon for Lara Croft fans. At the 2025 Game Awards, current Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics announced two new games: a “re-imagining” of Lara’s first adventure with updated controls and graphics, and a brand-new story set in Northern India. This flurry of activity underscores Lara Croft’s enduring appeal, nearly three decades after she first leapt onto our screens.
With filming underway, Prime Video is eyeing a late 2026 or early 2027 release for the series. While that may seem like a long wait, fans can expect trailers and more behind-the-scenes glimpses as production progresses. The anticipation is palpable—will Turner’s Lara Croft capture the magic of the original while bringing something fresh to the table? With a cast that includes genre legends like Sigourney Weaver and the creative vision of Waller-Bridge, the odds are looking good.
For Turner, the challenge is clear: honor the legacy of a character who has meant so much to so many, while making Lara her own. As she steps into those iconic boots (and yes, those famous shorts), she carries not just the hopes of longtime fans, but the weight of a cultural phenomenon that has inspired generations. The world will be watching as Lara Croft swings back into action—bats, pistols, and all.
As the excitement builds, one thing is certain: Lara Croft is back, and she’s ready for a whole new adventure.