In a move that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, reports indicate that acclaimed actress Sophie Turner is in negotiations to take on the role of the legendary Lara Croft in Amazon’s highly anticipated live-action Tomb Raider television series.
The news, first reported by the esteemed entertainment publication Deadline, comes on the heels of last month’s rumblings that Turner and fellow rising star Lucy Boynton were both slated to test for the part. But it now appears that Turner has emerged as the frontrunner, inching closer to joining the elite club of actors who have portrayed the jet-setting archaeologist, a list that includes the legendary Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.
Amazon’s Prime Video streaming platform is developing the upcoming Tomb Raider series, a major coup for the tech giant as it continues to bolster its portfolio of high-profile, big-budget original content. Spearheading the project is none other than acclaimed writer and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creative force behind the award-winning dark comedy Fleabag and the most recent James Bond installment, No Time to Die.
In speaking about the series, Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke described it as “epic” and “globe-trotting,” hinting at the grand scale and ambitious scope that viewers can expect. And for Waller-Bridge, the opportunity to bring the iconic Lara Croft to life on the small screen holds a deep personal significance.
“Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. The writer-producer declared, “Bats ‘n all,” during the initial announcement of the series in May.
The casting of Turner, known for her career-defining turn as Sansa Stark on the cultural phenomenon Game of Thrones, would undoubtedly inject the Tomb Raider franchise with a fresh, captivating energy. The 27-year-old British actress has proven her versatility and dramatic chops in a variety of projects, from the X-Men films to the true-crime drama The Staircase.
And while the Tomb Raider series doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date, the mere prospect of Turner stepping into Lara Croft’s boots has already generated a palpable buzz among fans of the beloved video game property and action-adventure genre enthusiasts alike.
Of course, the Tomb Raider franchise has long enjoyed a robust and devoted following, with Jolie’s blockbuster film adaptations in the early 2000s and Vikander’s more recent big-screen outing in 2018 cementing the character’s status as a pop culture icon. However, with Waller-Bridge’s creative vision and Turner’s undeniable talent and screen presence, many anticipate that this latest iteration could elevate the character to unprecedented heights.
Amazon plans to publish the next installment in the main Tomb Raider video game franchise and develop a brand-new feature film adaptation, in addition to the Prime Video series. Turner could lead the charge as the new face of Lara Croft, positioning the beloved property for a massive resurgence across multiple platforms.
As the industry and fans alike eagerly await more details on the Tomb Raider series, one thing is certain: the combination of Waller-Bridge’s storytelling prowess, Amazon’s deep pockets, and Sophie Turner’s acclaimed acting chops could result in a truly transformative and unforgettable take on this classic adventure franchise.