Amazon confirmed that Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in its upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series. The announcement closes months of speculation, as reports in April suggested the project was “dead.” Now, with production beginning on January 19, 2026, the series looks firmly back on track.

Turner Steps Into an Iconic Role

Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, expressed her excitement about portraying the legendary adventurer.

“She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many—and I am giving everything I’ve got,” Turner 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.”

For years, fans speculated about who might take on the role, and Turner emerged as one of two frontrunners alongside Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody). Ultimately, Turner secured the part, solidifying her place in one of gaming’s most iconic legacies.

A Strong Creative Team Behind the Series

The creative lineup further strengthens the project. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) now serves as showrunner with Chag Hodge, while Jonathan van Tulleken directs and also joins as executive producer.

Waller-Bridge praised Turner’s casting, explaining:

“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.”

Additionally, Prime Video’s Vernon Sanders emphasized that Turner captures Croft’s courage, strength, and resolve, calling her the ideal choice to lead the series.

From Rumors of Cancellation to Production Kickoff

Back in April, insiders claimed the project had collapsed after Amazon spent tens of millions with little to show. However, this latest announcement shows otherwise. With Turner confirmed and production scheduled, Amazon has signaled that Tomb Raider is moving forward with confidence.

What About the Next Tomb Raider Game?

While the series advances, the game side of the franchise remains uncertain. Crystal Dynamics continues to develop the next Tomb Raider, though updates have been minimal since Amazon announced its publishing role in 2022.

Unfortunately, the studio has faced challenges. It experienced layoffs in March and again in August after the cancellation of the Perfect Dark reboot, which it co-developed with The Initiative. Even so, fans remain hopeful that Lara’s next adventure will soon be revealed.