Published : 04 Sep 2025, 12:44 PM
Sophie Turner will step into the iconic role of Lara Croft in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming "Tomb Raider" television series, the studio confirmed.
The project, being developed by Fleabag famed Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is set to begin production on Jan 19, 2026.
Rumours of Turner’s casting circulated last year, but the 29-year-old actor confirmed the news on Instagram this week, writing that she was relieved to “finally talk about” the part.
“I am thrilled beyond measure,” Turner said in a statement shared with American entertainment news platform Variety.
“She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I’ve got. They’re massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia with their powerhouse performances, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands.”
The role had previously been brought to life by Angelina Jolie, who starred in two films in the early 2000s, and Alicia Vikander, who appeared in the 2018 reboot.
Jolie once described her preparation for the part as “two and a half months of tough training” that included bungee work, dog sledding and a strict nutrition plan designed to add muscle.
Reaction to Turner’s casting has been divided, reflecting the intensity of fan attachment to the character.
“Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, this is about to be a whole new era for Tomb Raider,” one fan wrote on X.
Others were more sceptical, insisting that Jolie remains the definitive Croft.
“Angelina Jolie is Lara Croft. Not sure Turner can pull off this role,” a user commented.
Turner, best known for her breakout as Sansa Stark in "Game of Thrones", is no stranger to action-driven roles.
She has previously appeared as Jean Grey in the "X-Men" franchise and in the spy comedy "Barely Lethal".