The upcomingTomb Raiderseries from Amazon Prime Video has finally found its Lara Croft. After a previous report revealed that the studio was looking attwo prominent names for the iconic role,it seems theGame of Thronesactress has won the coveted job. After several failed attempts at revitalizing the franchise on the big screen,Fleabagcreator Phoebe Waller-Bridge intendes to adapt the video game withSophie Turnerin the lead role.
Deadlinereports that Sophie Turner has officially been picked to play Lara Croft in Prime Video’sTomb Raiderseries. After screentesting for the job, she beat out Lucy Boynton fromBohemian Rhapsodyto star in the upcoming series.Previously played by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, Turner joins a list of acclaimed actresses to play Lara Croft in a live-action adaptation. Details remain scarce about the project, but everyone involved behind the scenes seems to be passionate about the iconic property and intends to do the long-standing video game series justice.
Waller-Bridge is a big fan of the franchise, as she previously revealed when the show was first greenlit by Amazon. The series forms part of the multi-project deal she signed with the studio a while ago. After producing the award-winningFleabag, Waller-Bridge now sets her sights on a non-original series that has a lot of its own baggage.
“If I could tell my teenage self this was happening I think she’d explode. Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.”
‘Tomb Raider’ Joins Amazon’s Growing Video Game Adaptations
Amazon has been getting into the video game adaptation business with impressive results. Prime Video releasedFalloutearlier this year to widespread acclaim, and is currentlyworking on the second season. They are also developing aGod of Warseries,which just got a creative overhaul, as well as a long-awaitedMass Effectadaptation, believed to be their sci-fi version ofGame of Thrones. Meanwhile, it’s unclear how far along theTomb Raiderseries is in development, but Sophie Turner’s casting as the titular character is certainly a needle mover. It could begin production as early as next year, for a potential 2026 release date, although that is pure speculation.
Netflix’s Record-Breaking Tomb Raider Series Gets Season 2 Renewal
Netflix announced that Lara Croft will return for a second season alongside her bestie Sam Nishimura.
As Prime Video plans to release their own version ofTomb Raider,Netflix beat them to the punch with an animated series starring Hayley Atwell. After previous live-action adaptations failed to impress critics, Netflix’sTomb Raider: Legend of Lara Croftgained the highest Rotten Tomatoes score of the franchise at 67%. Most reactions have been positive to mixed, but perhaps Amazon’s attempt at the globe-trotting heroine will garner the series' most positive reactions. The iconic video game property was rebooted in 2013 to great success, but it is still looking for its footing in live-action.
