Sophie Turner Cast as Lara Croft in Amazon’s Tomb Raider Series (2026)

It looks like Amazon’s ambitious live-action Tomb Raider series is finally moving forward after months of uncertainty. According to a new report from Variety, production is officially scheduled to begin in January 2026, and the role of iconic adventurer Lara Croft will be played by none other than Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner.

This marks a major step forward for the project, which had previously been rumored to be stalled or even canceled earlier in 2024. The announcement not only revives excitement among fans but also puts a definitive spotlight on Turner as the next face of one of gaming’s most beloved characters.

Sophie Turner Steps Into Lara’s Boots

Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, was long considered a frontrunner for the role. In fact, reports from 2024 suggested she was being weighed alongside Lucy Boynton, who is best recognized for portraying Mary Austin in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Now, Turner has officially secured the role, and she’s more than ready to take on the challenge.

“I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft,” Turner said. “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.”

Her comments reference both Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, who previously brought Lara Croft to life in feature films. Following their portrayals, Turner becomes the third major actress to step into the adventurer’s shoes on screen.

A Strong Creative Team Behind the Series

The upcoming show is spearheaded by acclaimed writer, actor, and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve). She was originally tapped as the showrunner, but according to the latest updates, she’ll now be sharing that responsibility with Chag Hodge.

Jonathan van Tulleken, known for directing hit TV episodes across several successful series, is also confirmed to direct and serve as executive producer.

In a statement, Waller-Bridge expressed her excitement about Turner’s casting:

“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.”

With such a lineup of talent behind the scenes, it’s clear that Amazon is aiming for more than just another video game adaptation—it’s pushing for a prestige series that could redefine the franchise for a new generation.

Prime Video Confirms the Series Is Back on Track

Earlier this year, reports suggested the Tomb Raider project had been shelved after millions were already invested without visible progress. Neither Amazon nor Waller-Bridge commented at the time, which left many fans worried.

But with Turner’s casting and an official production start date of January 19, 2026, those concerns have been firmly put to rest. Vernon Sanders, head of global television at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, confirmed as much:

“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.”

What About the Next Tomb Raider Game?

While fans of the franchise now have a concrete timeline for the show, gamers hoping for updates on Lara Croft’s next video game outing are still left in the dark. A new Tomb Raider title was first announced back in April 2022, with Amazon slated as its publisher. However, since then, no major updates have been shared about the game’s development.

Crystal Dynamics, the studio behind the franchise, has faced turbulence over the past year. Despite working on the new Tomb Raider, the developer was hit with layoffs in March and again in August. Adding to the complications, the studio was also co-developing the Perfect Dark reboot alongside The Initiative, a project that was later canceled.

As of now, fans will have to wait longer to see what shape the next video game adventure takes.

Final Thoughts

Amazon’s decision to cast Sophie Turner as Lara Croft signals a fresh and ambitious chapter for the Tomb Raider franchise. Backed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and a strong creative team, the series looks set to balance respect for Lara’s long legacy with new stories that appeal to today’s audience.

With production set to kick off in early 2026, fans won’t have to wait too long to see Turner’s take on the fearless explorer. While the future of the gaming side remains uncertain, at least one thing is clear: Lara Croft is making a comeback, and Amazon is determined to do her justice on the small screen.