Production has begun on Prime Video’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Tomb Raider, with Sophie Turner revealed in the first official image as the iconic adventurer Lara Croft. The casting and commencement of filming mark a significant milestone for the franchise, one of the most enduring and recognisable video game properties in entertainment history.
Turner, best known for her breakthrough role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, appears in character in the newly released promotional material as the British archaeologist-adventurer, a role previously brought to the screen by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in feature films.
Iconic Character Reimagined for Television
The Tomb Raider series is produced for Amazon MGM Studios by Prime Video, led creatively by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as creator, executive producer and writer. Waller-Bridge is joined by Chad Hodge as co-showrunner and Jonathan Van Tulleken as director and executive producer, anchoring a creative team with both commercial appeal and critical cachet.
Lara Croft first appeared in the 1996 video game developed by Core Design, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon for her mix of athleticism, intelligence and daring. Over decades, the character has featured in sequels, spin-offs, comics and films, evolving into a flagship franchise for Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics.
Prime Video’s new series promises to bring that legacy to the small screen with fresh creative energy. The choice of Turner, who has steadily broadened her range across television and film since Game of Thrones, suggests an ambition to blend blockbuster intensity with nuanced character work.
Cast and Creative Team
Alongside Turner, the cast includes an experienced ensemble of British and international actors. Sigourney Weaver portrays Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious figure with her own agenda in Croft’s world. Jason Isaacs is cast as Atlas DeMornay, Lara’s uncle, while Bill Paterson takes the role of Winston, the Croft family’s longtime butler.
Other confirmed cast members include Martin Bobb-Semple as tech-savvy ally Zip, Celia Imrie and Sasha Luss in supporting roles, with performances expected to enrich the series’ narrative and broaden its appeal beyond gaming fans.
Waller-Bridge, whose credits include Fleabag and Killing Eve, has spoken about her lifelong connection to the character and the creative challenges of translating such a beloved franchise into episodic television. In announcing the series, she described her excitement at working with a team “wildly passionate” about exploring Lara Croft’s world in depth.
Turner’s Preparation and Performance Expectations
Turner has reportedly immersed herself in the character’s background to authentically portray Croft, undertaking physical training that aligns with the role’s demands. This focus on preparation reflects the increased expectations surrounding television adaptations of major video game and film properties, where audiences often seek both spectacle and substance.
In previous interviews, Turner has emphasised her desire to bring her own interpretation to the role, studying the Tomb Raider games and related media rather than modelling her performance strictly after earlier screen versions. This intent signals a creative choice to respect the character’s legacy while allowing Turner space to define Croft for a new generation.
Filming Commences and Future Release
Production officially began in January 2026 at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, with a full shooting schedule underway. While Prime Video has not confirmed a specific release date, industry observers anticipate a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere, aligning with what has become a competitive cycle for premium streaming series.
The series’ trajectory, from development announcement in 2023, through casting and creative assembly, to visible production activity, underscores the long lead times and calculated investment required for high-profile adaptations. It also reflects Prime Video’s broader strategy to strengthen its original content library with globally recognisable franchises.
Cultural and Industry Context
The decision to adapt Tomb Raider as a television series comes amid a broader trend of deepening collaboration between Hollywood studios and streaming platforms. Video game adaptations, in particular, have gained traction, with successes such as The Last of Us demonstrating the commercial and critical potential of such projects when handled with fidelity to source material and strong creative vision.
For Turner, the role of Lara Croft represents both a creative milestone and a strategic career next step. Following her continued visibility in dramatic productions, this high-profile lead in a globally marketed series positions her at the intersection of mainstream entertainment and fan-driven franchise culture.
Legacy and Expectations
As the series takes shape, comparisons to both the original games and previous film adaptations are inevitable. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal in the early 2000s helped establish Lara Croft as a cinematic icon, while Alicia Vikander’s later performance offered a grounded, action-oriented reinterpretation. Both remain reference points for audience expectations.
Turner’s challenge will be to navigate these legacies while offering something distinct: a character rooted in the classic Tomb Raider ethos but adapted for contemporary television storytelling. The involvement of Waller-Bridge, known for character-driven writing, suggests the series may emphasise narrative depth alongside action and adventure.
