From Westeros to tomb raiding — Sophie Turner is about to embark on her most ambitious adventure yet. Amazon Prime Video’s latest power move sees the Game of Thrones alumna stepping into Lara Croft’s well-worn boots, and honestly? The casting feels almost too perfect to be true.
Turner’s transition from surviving the politics of the Seven Kingdoms to navigating ancient ruins and deadly traps marks a fascinating new chapter for both the actress and the beloved franchise. At 29, she brings a fresh energy to a role that’s seen its fair share of reinventions since Angelina Jolie first brought the pixelated heroine to life back in 2001.
But here’s where things get really interesting: Phoebe Waller-Bridge is taking the creative reins. Yeah, that Phoebe Waller-Bridge — the mastermind behind Fleabag and Killing Eve. Her appointment as creator, writer, and executive producer suggests Amazon isn’t just making another video game adaptation; they’re aiming to redefine what that even means.
“She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many,” Turner shared in a statement that somehow managed to sound both humble and determined. “And I am giving everything I’ve got.” Coming from the actress who transformed Sansa Stark from a naive teenager into one of television’s most compelling characters, those words carry some serious weight.
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. With Alicia Vikander’s unrealized sequel plans still fresh in everyone’s minds (thanks, MGM rights shuffle), there’s a palpable sense that the franchise needs something different. Something bold. Enter Waller-Bridge’s razor-sharp wit and Turner’s proven ability to handle complex character evolution.
Production kicks off January 19, 2026 — a date that feels simultaneously too far away and not nearly enough time to prepare for what’s coming. The creative team’s already stacked with talent, including director Jonathan van Tulleken and co-showrunner Chad Hodge. Crystal Dynamics, the game’s current shepherds, have given their blessing, suggesting this might actually be the rare adaptation that pleases both die-hard fans and newcomers.
Let’s be real — following in the footsteps of Jolie and Vikander is no small feat. But Turner’s approaching it with characteristic grace: “They’re massive shoes to fill, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands.” There’s something refreshingly honest about acknowledging the pressure while maintaining confidence in the creative vision.
Since her polygon-heavy debut in 1996, Lara Croft has been more than just an adventure hero — she’s been gaming’s equivalent of a cultural weathervane, reflecting the industry’s evolution through each incarnation. Now, as streaming platforms scramble for compelling content in an increasingly crowded landscape, this new version might just show us where television’s heading, too.
Will this bold experiment in genre-blending storytelling stick the landing? That’s the million-dollar question. But with this particular combination of talent both in front of and behind the camera, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about Lara Croft’s next expedition into uncharted territory.
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