Sophie Turner confirmed as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider live-action series starting filming in 2026

Sophie Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, has been officially confirmed as the lead Lara Croft in the live-action series based on the Tomb Raider video game franchise. The production, developed by Amazon MGM Studios, is scheduled to begin filming on January 19, 2026. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator and writer, also serves as executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge, who joins the team to strengthen the creative command. Jonathan van Tulleken takes on directing and executive producing, bringing experience from projects like Shogun. The series, initially announced in development in January 2023 and greenlit in May 2024, represents an ambitious adaptation of the classic game, where Croft, a fearless archaeologist, embarks on global adventures filled with ancient mysteries and modern dangers. This confirmation comes after initial reports about Turner’s involvement in November 2024, solidifying a high-caliber team to honor the character’s legacy. The production involves partnerships with Crystal Dynamics, the game’s rights holder, and Story Kitchen, ensuring fidelity to the original material while introducing fresh elements for today’s audience.

Production details and creative team

The Tomb Raider series stems from an agreement between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios, facilitated by Story Kitchen’s first-look deal to expand franchise narratives into series and films. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, under an overall deal with the studio, expressed excitement about working with an iconic character she grew up admiring, highlighting the team’s collective passion for Lara Croft as a bold and hilarious figure. Chad Hodge, with experience in series like Wayward Pines, complements Waller-Bridge’s style, known for successes like Fleabag, to create a dynamic narrative. Jonathan van Tulleken, after directing award-winning episodes in Shogun, brings expertise in action sequences and historical drama, ideal for the archaeological explorations and intense combats that define the Tomb Raider universe. The executive production includes names like Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Timothy I. Stevenson from Story Kitchen, along with Michael Scheel and representatives from Legendary Television. This collaboration aims to deliver a series of epic scale, focusing on adventures that capture Croft’s essence of courage and determination.

Sophie Turner set to star as Lara Croft in upcoming Tomb Raider series from Amazon MGM Studios.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner.

Jonathan Van Tulleken set as director and executive producer and Chad Hodge joins as… pic.twitter.com/m7aaaZH9Sk

— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) September 3, 2025

The producers emphasize the importance of maintaining the Tomb Raider legacy, which has sold millions of copies since its launch in 1996, influencing generations of gamers with its mix of puzzles, exploration, and cinematic storytelling. The series intends to expand this world, introducing plots that explore mythological origins and contemporary threats, without losing the tone of female empowerment that made Croft a cultural icon. With filming starting in January 2026, the expectation is that production will occur in diverse locations, simulating the character’s global travels, from ancient tombs to modern cities. Amazon MGM Studios, through Vernon Sanders, head of global television, reinforced that Sophie Turner perfectly embodies Lara’s qualities of courage and unshakeable resolve, promising unprecedented adventures for fans worldwide.

Sophie Turner’s career and Lara Croft’s legacy

Sophie Turner, at 29 years old, brings an impressive resume to the role of Lara Croft, including roles in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix, where she demonstrated skill in action scenes and emotional drama. Her performance in Game of Thrones solidified her as a versatile actress, capable of handling complex characters in fantastical settings. Turner commented on being thrilled to take on an icon that means so much to many, acknowledging the challenge of following the previous interpretations by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in films. Jolie starred in the 2001 and 2003 movies, which grossed hundreds of millions globally, while Vikander brought a more grounded version in 2018, inspired by recent games. Turner plans to give her all, confident that Waller-Bridge’s direction ensures a safe and innovative approach.

• Previous major Tomb Raider adaptations include the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, with Angelina Jolie, which explored illuminated tombs and mystical artifacts.
• The 2003 sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, expanded to biological threats and exotic locations like Greece and Africa.
• The 2018 reboot with Alicia Vikander focused on Croft’s origins, based on the 2013 game, emphasizing survival and personal development.
• The 2024 animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, released on Netflix with Hayley Atwell’s voice, served as a bridge between games, setting the stage for television narratives.

This rich heritage provides a foundation for the new series, which seeks to balance physical action with psychological elements, exploring Croft’s motivations in seeking lost relics while dealing with personal traumas.

Partnerships and project development

The Tomb Raider project reflects Amazon’s broader strategy in adapting game franchises for streaming, following successes like Fallout and The Last of Us. The partnership with Crystal Dynamics, which developed recent games like Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), ensures authenticity in gameplay elements adapted for the screen. These titles reinvented Croft as a vulnerable survivor who evolves into a legendary heroine, selling over 80 million units collectively. Story Kitchen, specialized in game adaptations, contributes expertise in immersive narratives, while Legendary Television adds productive muscle. The production, budgeted at a premium scale, prioritizes advanced visual effects to recreate parkour sequences, shootouts, and ancient puzzles that fans love.

Waller-Bridge and Hodge plan to infuse subtle humor and sharp dialogues, differentiating the series from purely serious adaptations. Turner, in preparation, has been training physically to capture Croft’s agility, known for dangerous climbs and hand-to-hand combats. The filming schedule, starting in January 2026, allows for extensive post-production, with a premiere expected in 2027 or later, depending on progress. This timeline aligns with the resurgence of interest in classic franchises, driven by remakes and multimedia expansions.

Iconic elements and series expectations

Lara Croft, created by Toby Gard in 1996, revolutionized female representation in video games, becoming a symbol of independence and intelligence. The live-action series intends to honor this, with episodes delving into global myths, from Egyptian legends to Asian folklore. Fans speculate about classic villains like Natla or artifacts like the Dagger of Xian, adapted for modern plots involving rival corporations and international conspiracies.

• Curiosities about the Tomb Raider universe include the fact that the first game was inspired by Indiana Jones, but with a female protagonist to innovate the genre.
• Croft possesses a varied arsenal, from dual pistols to compound bows, which should appear in realistic action scenes.
• The games have accumulated awards for level design, such as the underwater tombs in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
• Recent expansions, like collaborations with Fortnite and Magic: The Gathering, show the franchise’s versatility in cross-media.

Turner’s choice generates buzz, with her skill in empowerment roles aligning with Croft’s ethos. The series aims to attract both veteran gamers and new viewers, with narratives balancing visual spectacle and character development.

Advances in game-to-TV adaptations

Video game adaptations are gaining traction, with Tomb Raider following the path of successes that capture interactive mechanics in linear format. Amazon invests heavily in this niche, recognizing the global gamer audience. Details like authentic costumes – leather jackets, sturdy boots, and tool-filled backpacks – will be crucial for immersion. The production team focuses on location diversity, possibly filming in UK studios and exterior sets in tropical regions for authenticity.

• Key stages in development include the initial announcement in 2023, approval in 2024, and now the confirmation of cast and filming date.
• Partners like Wells Street Productions from Waller-Bridge and Robins add unique creative layers.
• Waller-Bridge’s overall deal with Amazon facilitates integration with other studio projects.
• Expectations include 45-60 minute episodes, with initial seasons of 8-10 chapters to build narrative arc.

This approach ensures the series not only adapts but expands the Tomb Raider lore, introducing new allies and antagonists while respecting established canons.