Sophie Turner Unveils First Look as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider Series

The first official image of Sophie Turner as the iconic adventurer Lara Croft has been revealed, signaling the commencement of production for the eagerly awaited new Tomb Raider series. Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that the series is now in development and will be available on Prime Video.

The striking photograph, released on October 12, 2023, showcases Turner in action, dressed in combat-style shorts and a tactical vest, with a firearm prominently displayed against her right thigh. The image captures the spirit of the franchise, which is based on the popular video game series that has captivated audiences for years.

Alongside Turner, the series features a remarkable ensemble cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, Celia Imrie, and August Wittgenstein. This diverse cast promises to bring depth and complexity to the beloved characters.

The adaptation is being spearheaded by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the acclaimed creator of Fleabag, who serves as writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner. Waller-Bridge expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Tomb Raider boasts a plethora of iconic characters. I am thrilled to have been able to bring some personal and fan favourites to the screen while also introducing a few new rascals of our own to the mix. This cast is beyond my wildest dreams!”

In this new series, Sigourney Weaver will portray Evelyn Wallis, characterized as a “high-flying woman who is keen to exploit Lara’s talents.” Celia Imrie, known for her role in The Thursday Murder Club, will depict Francine, the head of advancement at the British Museum. Additionally, Jason Isaacs, recognized for his work in The White Lotus, is cast as Lara’s uncle, Atlas DeMornay.

Turner, stepping into the role previously played by Oscar-winning actresses Alicia Vikander and Angelina Jolie, shared her excitement for the character. “I’ve been a long-time fan of Tomb Raider and the character of Lara. She has always felt for me, very emboldened in a male-dominated world. She’s a fierce female role model,” Turner stated.

The series aims to redefine the Tomb Raider narrative while honoring its legacy. Jonathan Van Tulleken is directing and executive producing the adaptation, ensuring a fresh and engaging approach to the story.

Peter Friedlander, head of Amazon MGM Studios, highlighted the significance of the series, saying, “Tomb Raider has always been defined by bold storytelling and unforgettable characters, and these new cast members bring incredible depth and gravitas to the series. With talents like Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs joining the ensemble, we’re elevating this world in exciting new ways, and can’t wait for our global Prime Video audience to experience this next chapter of Tomb Raider.”

As production continues, fans eagerly await the series, hoping it will successfully capture the essence of the beloved franchise while introducing new elements that resonate with contemporary audiences.