Sophie Turner Promises Unashamedly Capable Lara in Amazon’s Tomb Raider Series

Sophie Turner will star as Lara Croft in Amazon’s upcoming Tomb Raider live-action series, bringing a “so unashamedly capable” version of the character that moves beyond her “sex bombshell” image, as confirmed in Turner’s interview with the Los Angeles Times. Filming has started, with a cast including Celia Imrie, Jason Isaacs, Sigourney Weaver, and Martin Bobb-Semple, and with Phoebe Waller-Bridge as creator and writer.

Amazon’s new Tomb Raider series aims to deliver a transformational portrayal of Lara Croft, led by Sophie Turner, who has stated that the show will reject the franchise’s longstanding focus on Lara’s physical appeal. Turner told the Los Angeles Times that “Amazon’s Tomb Raider adaptation will not simply portray Lara as a ‘sex bombshell’,” explicitly stating that the series is about “Lara and her story and what drives her.” She emphasised, “It is not about how ‘hot she is in the games and the movies’,” though she acknowledged, “this is something ‘so many people also love about’ the character as well.”

Turner, known for her critically acclaimed role in Game of Thrones, went on to assert, “But I really want to show the other side,” before highlighting that Amazon’s version of Lara Croft is “so unashamedly capable.” Turner concluded, “She is not a woman who hides her strengths at all.”

Tomb Raider Series Production Details and Creative Team

Filming for Amazon’s Tomb Raider series began in the week leading up to 23 January 2026. The series features an ensemble cast, including Celia Imrie, Jason Isaacs, Sigourney Weaver, and Martin Bobb-Semple. Sigourney Weaver previously praised the project, saying the Tomb Raider scripts are “incredible, and very funny, very charming, very witty.”

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, renowned for her work on Fleabag, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Killing Eve, and Crashing, will serve as the Tomb Raider series’ creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner. Jonathan Van Tulleken is attached as director and executive producer, with Chad Hodge also joining as co-showrunner and executive producer.

Key Production Details:

• Title: Tomb Raider (Amazon live-action series)
• Lead Actress: Sophie Turner (Lara Croft)
• Main Cast: Celia Imrie, Jason Isaacs, Sigourney Weaver, Martin Bobb-Semple
• Showrunner, Creator, Writer: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
• Directors/Executive Producers: Jonathan Van Tulleken, Chad Hodge
• Status: Filming began in January 2026

Sophie Turner and Lara Croft’s Evolving Image

The character of Lara Croft has long been a subject of debate regarding the blend of action-hero capability with sexualised marketing. Turner directly addressed this in her comments, targeting a definitive shift in how Lara Croft will be portrayed. She said, “I really want to show the other side,” referencing a determined intent to modernise Lara’s characterisation. Turner described the new Lara as “so unashamedly capable,” and underscored, “She is not a woman who hides her strengths at all.”

Lara’s onscreen history spans decades, with previous adaptations often centred on her looks. The new Amazon series, as described by Turner, intends to focus on narrative depth, personal drive, and skill, aiming to resonate with both long-term fans and a new generation of viewers seeking complex protagonists.

Sigourney Weaver’s comments reinforce the creative direction, calling the scripts “incredible, and very funny, very charming, very witty,” setting expectations for a show that balances action with character-driven storytelling and humour.