A New Era of Raiding: Sophie Turner Takes on the Iconic Role of Lara Croft in Amazon’s Live-Action Series

In a casting announcement that has sent shockwaves through the gaming and entertainment industries, Amazon MGM Studios has officially confirmed that “Game of Thrones” star Sophie Turner will portray the legendary archaeologist and adventurer, Lara Croft, in the upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series for Prime Video. The news, which has been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism from a passionate fanbase, marks a significant new chapter for the iconic video game character. The series, which is being helmed by the critically acclaimed Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is a central part of Amazon’s ambitious plan to build a new, interconnected multimedia universe around the Tomb Raider franchise. This casting decision, which makes Turner the third live-action Lara Croft after Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, is a testament to the character’s enduring legacy and her continued relevance in the world of pop culture.

The casting of Turner, who is best known for her role as Sansa Stark in the HBO fantasy series, has been a topic of intense speculation for months. While some fans have expressed doubts about her ability to embody the “brave, and hilarious” spirit of Lara Croft, many others have pointed to her extensive acting experience and her proven ability to handle a a wide range of emotions and physical challenges. In a statement released on September 3, 2025, Turner expressed her excitement and her commitment to the role, stating that it will be a “massive shoes to fill” and that she is “giving everything I’ve got.” The series, which will begin production on January 19, 2026, is a bold new take on the franchise, with Waller-Bridge serving as creator, writer, and executive producer. Her involvement has been a major point of discussion, as her unique brand of dark humor and character-driven storytelling is a a sharp contrast to the typical, action-heavy video game adaptation. The combination of a world-renowned actress and a visionary creator is a a powerful one, and it is a clear sign that Amazon is not just looking to make a simple adaptation but to create a high-quality, prestige television series that will appeal to a wide audience.

The SEO of a Casting: High-Value Keywords for a Massively Engaged Audience

The conversation around this casting is a powerful driver of search traffic, as it taps into a high degree of user interest and a sense of shared anticipation for a long-awaited release. The combination of its legendary character, its star-studded cast, and its ties to a major franchise makes this an essential topic to cover. The core of this story is a high-intent search query: “who is the new Lara Croft actress?”

• Sophie Turner Lara Croft: This is the most direct and high-intent term, targeting the massive audience of fans and gamers who are actively looking for information on the new Lara Croft actress. It is a high-volume, high-CPC (Cost-Per-Click) term.
• Amazon Tomb Raider Series: The series’ home on Amazon is a major part of the story. This is a crucial keyword for attracting an audience that is interested in Amazon’s push into live-action gaming adaptations.
• Tomb Raider TV Show: The series’ genre is a key part of its appeal. This is a vital keyword for attracting a new audience that is interested in a TV show based on a video game.
• Phoebe Waller-Bridge Tomb Raider: The show’s creator is a major part of its appeal. This is an excellent keyword for attracting an audience that is familiar with the creator’s other work.
• Lara Croft Actresses: The casting of a new actress is a major part of the character’s legacy. This is a valuable, long-tail keyword that is excellent for attracting a new audience that is interested in the history of the franchise.
• Amazon MGM Studios: The studio behind the series is a major part of its appeal. This is an excellent keyword for attracting a broad audience that is interested in the business of gaming and entertainment.

A Glimmer of Hope and a Promise of a New Lara

While the casting of Sophie Turner has been met with some skepticism, it is important to remember that the game’s previous actresses were also a source of controversy at first. Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander both faced similar backlash from fans who felt that they were not the right fit for the role. However, both actresses went on to deliver memorable performances that have since become a part of the character’s legacy. It is possible that Sophie Turner, with the help of a a phenomenal creative team, can do the same. The series’ commitment to a more character-driven story, a hallmark of Waller-Bridge’s work, is a a major point of difference from the previous films, and it is a clear sign that the show is not just looking to replicate the past but to forge a new path. The series is a major step in Amazon’s push to create a new, interconnected universe around the Tomb Raider franchise, which also includes a new single-player game from developer Crystal Dynamics. The two projects are a clear sign that the company is taking the franchise seriously and that it is committed to its long-term health. The journey has only just begun, and for many, the new series is a sign that the golden age of the franchise is not a thing of the past but a reality in the present.

The new live-action series is set to begin production on January 19, 2026, and for many, the wait will be a tense one. Will the series live up to its initial promise? Only time will tell.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from official announcements and is subject to change. The experience is subjective and may vary from person to person.

The series will be available exclusively on Prime Video.