Sophie Turner Cast as Lara Croft in Amazon’s Long-Delayed Phoebe Waller-Bridge Tomb Raider Series

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As a passionate movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but excitedly share the news that I, myself, have been chosen to bring Lara Croft to life in Amazon’s live-action Tomb Raider series, penned by the brilliant Phoebe Waller Bridge!

For several months, it appeared Amazon’s venture into a live-action Tomb Raider series might never take off. Earlier reports this year suggested Phoebe Waller-Bridge‘s expensive adaptation was abandoned. However, the streaming platform recently shook up the industry by confirming Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, reviving a project that many thought was no longer viable.

From Rumors of Cancellation to Revival

In April, there were rumors suggesting that Amazon had secretly put a hold on their Tomb Raider television series. With no finalized scripts and no production timeline, coupled with growing doubt, it seemed as though the project was coming to an end. Our initial reporting indicated this could mean the end of Amazon’s costly venture into adapting gaming intellectual properties.

Currently, the series has not only been revived but is progressing rapidly. Filming will commence in January 2026. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known for her role in Fleabag and controversy surrounding Indiana Jones, is set to write, produce, and share showrunning responsibilities with Chad Hodge. Jonathan Van Tulleken has been attached as the director and executive producer.

The main news is that Sophie Turner, famously recognized for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, is set to brandish the pistols and the signature braid, taking on the role of Lara Croft.

The Amazon–Waller-Bridge Problem

The comeback of Tomb Raider carries significant implications for Amazon, given Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s high-value contract with the studio. Valued at approximately $60-100 million when signed in 2019 under Jennifer Salke’s leadership, this deal has been a subject of criticism as a costly error for quite some time.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s popular series, “Fleabag,” wasn’t included in this arrangement. The show was initially produced by the BBC, with Amazon serving as the international distributor. The profitable contract with Amazon was sealed post “Fleabag’s” success and aimed to bring fresh originals to Prime Video. However, prior to this “Tomb Raider” reboot, this deal had yet to produce any content.

Following Salke’s departure, it seems the revival of “Tomb Raider” is an effort to regain some worth from a deal that has been under increasing criticism.

Why Sophie Turner?

Turner’s selection for the role adds immediate celebrity appeal. She is widely recognized due to her popular role in Game of Thrones, and she lends credibility to a part that has had varying success on the silver screen. Angelina Jolie helped propel Lara Croft into box office stardom during the early 2000s, but subsequent adaptations have faced difficulty gaining momentum.

Having Turner involved indicates that Amazon views this series as a high-end production rather than an experimental one of medium importance. By teaming up Turner with Waller-Bridge’s writing, the show gains a unique perspective that could potentially differentiate it from previous movies in a notable way – for better or for worse.

Can Amazon Finally Deliver?

Is it plausible that Amazon can successfully complete this project, given their past issues with costly intellectual property investments? Previous examples include “The Rings of Power,” which has been quite high-profile, and there’s mounting pressure for “Tomb Raider” featuring Sophie Turner to steer clear of a similar outcome.

If the series proves successful, Waller-Bridge’s expensive contract may be validated. However, if it struggles, it could become an illustration of Hollywood studios continuing to invest in subpar concepts despite substantial costs.

Fans rejoice! The Lara Croft project is indeed moving forward, with filming set to begin in January. Sophie Turner will take up the iconic character of gaming’s foremost adventurer, bringing her unique flair to the beloved character.

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2025-09-03 21:56