Five years after Game of Thrones vanished from the airwaves, Sophie Turner is ready to assume another well-known character: that of the famed explorer Lara Croft. Deadline believes that the 28-year-old Emmy-nominated actress is under contract to play the title heroine in Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider TV series, a big project generating a lot of buzz in the entertainment industry.
Turner had originally been ranked among the top contenders for the role with actress Lucy Boynton, but reports now point to Turner actually landing it. Turner has not yet spoken publicly on the ongoing debates, but the disclosure has already created waves among the fan base since many anxiously speculate on her performance of the esteemed position. This project marks a turning point in Turner’s post-Game of Thrones career and might launch a new era in her acting career.
The date of this prospective casting falls merely months after the initial draft for the Tomb Raider series released by renowned Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Prime Video formally ordered the series in May after a new three-year $60 million contract with Waller-Bridge. She is positioned in the deal as a significant creative engine behind the series, and her passion for the Tomb Raider series is abundantly evident. Declaring in a statement, “If I could tell my teenage self this is happening, I think she would explode,” Waller-Bridge acknowledged her personal relationship to the famous figure. Since Tomb Raider has dominated my life, I consider incredible fortune to be bringing it to television with such driven collaborators.
The Bold Chapter of Lara Croft
Inspired by the globe-trotting exploits of world-class archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft, the show promises to feature sharp action, heart-pounding adventures, and complex character development. Head Jennifer Salke of Amazon Studios has said the show is a “epic, globetrotting series,” underlining viewers should expect a narrative honoring Lara Croft’s core while introducing unique elements to her character. Set to be among Amazon’s most ambitious initiatives of recent years, the show boasts great emotional resonance and enormous stakes. Salke also underlined how the show may attract both ardent fans of the franchise and new viewers ready to discover Tomb Raider for the first time.
To build a bigger Tomb Raider universe, Amazon has joined with the publisher of the video game brand Crystal Dynamics. This arrangement not only handles the TV show but also covers any future movies, suggesting Tomb Raider might become a multi-platform powerhouse for Amazon. Apart from the TV program, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon are purportedly producing a new Tomb Raider video game alongside one another; nevertheless, details about its development are yet lacking. Amazon’s expansion into both television and games so validates the cultural influence of the brand since it shows its commitment to create an immersive Tomb Raider universe across various mediums.
An Archive of Fantastic Adaptations
The Tomb Raider brand has a long and famous background starting with the release of the first video game in 1996. Renowned for her adventurous attitude, intelligence, and physical prowess, Lara Croft has developed over years into among the most iconic heroines in video game history. Comprising more than 100 million copies sold worldwide, the franchise confirms Lara Croft as a universal pop cultural phenomenon.
Starting in 2001 when Angelina Jolie portrayed Lara Croft’s character in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the path from the digital sphere to the big screen began. A major commercial success, the film grossed $131.1 million at the US box office ranked highest among video game adaptations at the time. Less successful, Jolie returned for the 2003 sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, bringing $65.6 million domestically. Notwithstanding this, Jolie’s role of the adventurous archaeologist and their action-packed sequences kept a dedicated audience for the Tomb Raider films and they are still admired today.
After a 15-year hiatus, the Tomb Raider franchise was revived in 2018 featuring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in a fresh, more brutal form of the heroine. Though it barely made $58.2 million at the domestic box office, critics hailed the film. Still, it was successful overseas, bringing in $216.7 million and proving the global popularity of the series. Though inconsistent film office statistics, the relaunch sparked interest in deeper research on Lara Croft’s experiences, which at last helped the Prime Video series to be established.
Sophie Turner’s Post-Games of Throne Career
Having Sophie Turner as Lara Croft will be a turning point in her career. Turner, widely known for her portrayal of Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones, received compliments from viewers and critics for her interpretation of the Stark family member—especially in later seasons of the show. Her performance reinforced her status as among the most gifted actors of her time and produced an Emmy nomination. Since Game of Thrones concludes, Turner has varied her acting career by assuming roles in both television and films.
Apart from her earlier portrayal as British crime leader Joan Harrington in ITV’s mini-series Joan, Turner is expected to star in Prime Video’s upcoming series Haven, further cementing her link with Amazon. Her acquaintance with difficult characters and her ability to capture nuanced, complex performances match the venerable Lara Croft job exactly. Turner’s portrayal of the role thrills viewers; many of them believe her performance will reflect Lara Croft’s heritage while nevertheless honoring the essence of the beloved adventurer.
Passionate about Lara Croft’s Visit
Particularly among Turner and the Tomb Raiders fans, word of Sophie Turner’s involvement in the show has generated a lot of excitement. Turner’s performance of Lara Croft at the center of the show promises to combine emotional depth, great feats, and intense action. As the program moves along and viewers are eager to see how the venerable character is reimagined for the small screen, expectation continues rising.
Working together, Amazon Studios, Crystal Dynamics, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge have set the ground for a Tomb Raider series that might transform the property for future generations. Turner’s potential casting as Lara Croft has the project all the elements for success: a talented cast, a determined creative team, and a character that has stood the test of time. The approaching chapter in Lara Croft’s adventure excites fans since it will let them once more follow her path.
