On January 15, 2026, the entertainment world caught its first official glimpse of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, as Amazon MGM Studios unveiled a striking first-look photo from the highly anticipated Tomb Raider television series. The image, released across major outlets including TMZ, The Hollywood Reporter, and ABC News, shows Turner in full Croft regalia: a green tank top, black shorts, red-tinted sunglasses, and the iconic dual pistols. With her hair pulled back in a braided ponytail, a backpack strapped on, and a determined look in her eyes, Turner appears ready to step into the boots of one of gaming’s most enduring heroines.
Production on the series is now officially underway in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a new era for the Tomb Raider franchise. Prime Video confirmed that cameras started rolling in January, setting off a wave of excitement among fans of both the original video games and the past cinematic adaptations. The show is helmed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the acclaimed creator and star of Fleabag, who serves as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. Jonathan Van Tulleken takes on the role of director and executive producer, rounding out a powerhouse creative team.
Turner, best known for her breakout role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones and her turn as Jean Grey in the X-Men films, is no stranger to the pressures of portraying iconic characters. When her casting as Lara Croft was officially announced in September 2025, Turner expressed both reverence and enthusiasm for the role. In a statement widely circulated by ABC News and Amazon MGM Studios, she shared, “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.”
Indeed, Turner is the third actress to take on the mantle of Lara Croft in live action. Angelina Jolie first brought the character to life in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and its 2003 sequel, The Cradle of Life. Alicia Vikander later starred in the 2018 reboot, simply titled Tomb Raider. Each actress left her own mark on the character, but the baton now passes to Turner, who is eager to make the role her own in a new medium.
The series draws its inspiration from the legendary Tomb Raider video game franchise, which debuted in 1996 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The games follow the adventures of Lara Croft, a globe-trotting British archaeologist and adventurer—often compared to Indiana Jones, but with a distinctly modern edge. Since its inception, the franchise has spawned at least 25 different game entries, with two more—Legacy of Atlantis (2026) and Catalyst (2027)—already announced, according to ScreenCrush. The character’s enduring popularity is a testament to her status as a female action icon, inspiring generations of players and viewers alike.
Prime Video’s adaptation is not just a one-woman show. Turner leads an impressive ensemble cast that includes Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, Celia Imrie, and August Wittgenstein. Weaver’s role, in particular, is shrouded in mystery, with TMZ reporting that she plays a "high-flying figure eager to exploit Lara’s skills." The series promises to blend action, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling, staying true to the spirit of the games while offering fresh twists for longtime fans.
The production itself is a collaboration between several heavyweights in the entertainment industry. Amazon MGM Studios leads the charge, joined by Crystal Dynamics (the studio behind many of the Tomb Raider games), Wells Street Films, Story Kitchen, and Legendary Television. The executive producing team includes Waller-Bridge, Jenny Robins, Dmitri M. Johnson, Michael Lawrence Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, Dallas Dickinson, Michael Scheel, and others, ensuring that the project benefits from both creative vision and industry muscle.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s involvement has sparked particular excitement. Known for her sharp wit and subversive storytelling, she brings a unique perspective to the franchise. As she told Amazon MGM Studios, "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." Waller-Bridge’s track record with Fleabag and her work on the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, suggests she’s more than capable of balancing high-octane action with nuanced character development.
The timing of this reboot is no accident. The entertainment industry is in the midst of a video game adaptation boom, spurred on by the critical and commercial success of HBO’s The Last of Us and blockbuster films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie. Prime Video itself is doubling down on the trend, with a God of War television series also in development. The hope is that Tomb Raider will not only satisfy longtime fans but also attract new viewers who crave adventurous storytelling with a strong female lead.
For Turner, this marks her most prominent role since the conclusion of Game of Thrones in 2019. It’s a significant career move, one that places her at the center of a beloved franchise with a massive global following. The stakes are high, but if the first-look photo is any indication, Turner is more than ready for the challenge.
As anticipation builds, fans are already speculating about the show’s plot and how it will honor—and reinvent—the legacy of Lara Croft. With production underway and a top-tier creative team steering the ship, Prime Video’s Tomb Raider series is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched television events of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard gamer, a fan of Turner’s previous work, or simply in the mood for some globe-trotting adventure, this reboot promises to deliver action, heart, and a fresh take on an iconic character.
With the world watching, Sophie Turner’s Lara Croft is poised to raid new ground—both for the franchise and for the future of video game adaptations on television.
