Sophie Turner appears as Lara Croft in the first official image from Prime Video’s new Tomb Raider series

The long-awaited adaptation of Tomb Raider into series format has finally come to fruition. Prime Video confirmed the official start of filming on January 15, 2026, marking the moment with the release of the first image of Sophie Turner characterized as the iconic archaeologist Lara Croft. The revelation electrified the fan community by showing the actress with a look that directly references the first games in the franchise, released in the 90s, suggesting a faithful approach to the origins of the character who became a symbol of strength and intelligence in the gaming universe. The production, which promises a new and in-depth journey through the adventures of Croft, is under the creative leadership of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known for the success of “Fleabag”, who acts as the project’s creator and main screenwriter.

The official photograph presents Turner with the heroine’s unmistakable elements: the classic side braid, the sea green tank top and the brown shorts. The confident pose and accessories, such as the leather backpack, reinforce the adventurous identity that has established Lara Croft as a pop culture icon since its debut in 1996.

This announcement solidifies the production as one of Amazon MGM Studios’s biggest bets for the coming years. The choice of Sophie Turner for the main role, confirmed in September 2025, had already generated great expectations, and the first official image serves as a strong indication of the tone and aesthetic that the series intends to adopt.

A return to the origins of the adventurer

The decision to rescue the classic look of Lara Croft is a deliberate choice by the production to connect with the franchise’s oldest fans. Diferente of the most recent film adaptations, which were based on the “Survivor” game trilogy with a more realistic and dark approach, the Prime Video series seems to draw direct inspiration from the PlayStation’s polygonal era. Este’s aesthetic direction evokes powerful nostalgia, paying homage to the original Core Design design that captivated millions of players and defined a generation.

This visual fidelity is not just limited to the costumes. Sophie Turner’s posture in the promotional image and the environmental details suggest an atmosphere of exploration of ancient ruins and imminent dangers, central elements of the original Tomb Raider experience. Embora the iconic double pistols do not appear in the photo, official production descriptions confirm that they will be part of the character’s arsenal, completing the characterization that fans have learned to recognize and admire over decades.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s creative vision

The presence of Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the main creative force behind the project is one of the most intriguing aspects of the new series. Conhecida for its acid humor and ability to build complex and multifaceted characters, its approach promises to bring a new layer of depth to Lara Croft.

Waller-Bridge is not only writing the script, but also serves as executive producer, ensuring her vision is implemented every step of the way. Ela shares the role of showrunner with Chad Hodge, while multiple episodes will be directed by Jonathan van Tulleken, who is also executive producer.

This leadership team, combined with direct collaboration from Crystal Dynamics, the games’ current developer, ensures a balance between narrative innovation and respect for the franchise’s vast universe. The expectation is that the series will explore not only the action, but also the intellect and vulnerabilities of the protagonist.

A strong cast joins the expedition

To follow the journey of Sophie Turner, the production brought together a robust and diverse supporting cast, mixing established veterans with rising talents. One of the most prominent names is Sigourney Weaver, an icon of action and science fiction films, who will play Evelyn Wallis, an original character described as an influential and enigmatic woman who is interested in Lara’s abilities. The addition of Weaver considerably raises the caliber of production, promising high-level confrontations and alliances. Outros confirmed names include Jason Isaacs, Bill Paterson and Paterson Joseph, whose roles are still kept secret but who bring extensive experience from film and television. Actor Martin Bobb-Semple has been cast as Zip, the technology expert and longtime supporter of Lara in the games, indicating that important elements of the franchise’s mythology will be adapted for the screen. The cast is completed by Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, Celia Imrie and

What to expect from the series’ narrative

With an episodic format, the Tomb Raider series has the opportunity to explore the adventures of Lara Croft in detail that the films did not allow. The narrative structure should follow global expeditions linked by a larger arc, possibly involving a secret organization or the search for an artifact of immeasurable power.

The scripts are expected to deepen the protagonist’s interpersonal relationships, giving more space to secondary characters and developing themes such as trust, betrayal and the weight of family legacy. Elementos introduced in the “Survivor” trilogy of games, such as exploring Lara’s parents’ past, can be incorporated in adapted form to enrich your journey of self-discovery.

The legacy of Lara Croft in games and cinema

Since its debut in 1996, Tomb Raider has transcended the world of video games to become a cultural phenomenon. Lara Croft was one of the first female protagonists to lead a highly successful action game, breaking paradigms and influencing the representation of women in the industry.

The franchise has sold millions of copies around the world, with epoch-making titles such as “Tomb Raider II” (1997) and the 2013 reboot.

In film, Lara Croft was immortalized by Angelina Jolie in two films in the early 2000s, which captured the adventurous essence of the original games. In 2018, Alicia Vikander took on the role in a reboot that adopted a more raw and realistic approach, in line with the new phase of games.

Now, the transition to a television series represents the next natural evolution for the franchise. The format allows for a more gradual and complex development, both for the protagonist and for the mysteries she uncovers, offering a new way of experiencing her expeditions.

Immediate repercussion among fans

The release of the first image of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft generated a wave of positive reactions on social media. Longtime Fãs franchise members were quick to praise the fidelity to the classic look, celebrating the return of iconic elements that defined the character in its original conception.

Comparisons with previous performers were inevitable, but the choice of Turner, known for her work on large-scale productions such as “Game of Thrones”, was widely seen as the right one. The confirmation of the start of filming further increased anticipation for the premiere, although Prime Video has not yet announced an official date.

Technical production details

The production of the series is being led by Amazon MGM Studios in partnership with Crystal Dynamics, Legendary Television and Story Kitchen. Essa strategic collaboration aims to ensure the adaptation is authentic and respectful of the source material, while expanding the universe of Tomb Raider to a new audience. The series joins a growing catalog of adaptations of popular intellectual properties on Prime Video, cementing the platform as a destination for major adventure and fantasy franchises.