‘Game of Thrones’ Star Cast as the Next Lara Croft in ‘Tomb Raider’ TV series

Sophie Turner is officially stepping into the role of Lara Croft. The Game of Thrones star has been chosen to lead Amazon’s upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series, which is being developed by writer and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Amazon announced the casting on Wednesday, confirming that Turner will play the legendary explorer in a new take on the franchise.

The series is being produced in partnership with game developer Crystal Dynamics, and filming is expected to begin on January 19, 2026. A release date has not yet been set.

Waller-Bridge expressed her excitement about the project and Turner’s casting, saying, “I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. It’s not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving. Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is. Get your artifacts out. Croft is coming.”

Turner also shared her enthusiasm about taking on the role, paying tribute to the actresses who played Lara before her.

“I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft. She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I’ve got,” she said. “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. I can’t wait for you all to see what we have cooking.”

The upcoming series will mark Lara Croft’s return after her appearances on the big screen. Angelina Jolie first brought the character to life in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2001 and its sequel in 2003. More recently, Alicia Vikander took on the role in the 2018 film, which made $274 million at the worldwide box office.

Jonathan Van Tulleken, known for his work on Shōgun, has joined as director, while Chad Hodge will act as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Waller-Bridge.

Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke previously said the series would deliver “exhilarating adventures that honor the legacy of this iconic character,” pointing to Lara Croft’s importance in gaming history since her 1996 debut.

While Vikander had once been set to return for a sequel to her version of Tomb Raider, the project stalled after Amazon’s acquisition of MGM.

In 2022, she told Entertainment Weekly, “With the MGM and Amazon buyout, I have no clue. Now it’s kind of politics. I think Misha and I have been ready, so it’s kind of in somebody else’s hands, to be honest.”

With Turner now confirmed as Lara Croft, the iconic adventurer is set to begin a new chapter on television.

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