Fans Split as Sophie Turner Cast as Lara Croft in Prime Video’s Tomb Raider Series

Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider live-action series for Prime Video, with production set to begin in January 2026. The project will be spearheaded by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as creator, head writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge, while Jonathan Van Tulleken will direct and executive produce. The announcement, made on September 3, 2025, immediately stirred debate among fans, many of whom remain divided on Turner’s suitability for one of gaming’s most enduring heroines.

Turner expressed her excitement at stepping into the role, describing Lara Croft as an iconic character who means so much to so many. She acknowledged the challenge of following in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, both of whom brought the character to life in past film adaptations, but said she was confident under Waller-Bridge’s direction. Waller-Bridge, in turn, praised Turner as formidable and highlighted that the creative team was united by a deep love for the character, promising a tone that would be outrageous, brave, and infused with humor.

Reaction from fans, however, has been far from unanimous. Across forums and social media, some criticized the casting, calling it a strange or poor choice, with detractors questioning whether Turner has the charisma or “bad-ass” edge that Lara Croft demands. Comments described her as miscast, even suggesting she lacked the screen presence necessary for such a physically commanding role. Others pointed to details such as her red hair, arguing she does not visually align with the character’s traditional look. Yet alongside the criticism, a portion of the audience struck a more measured tone, choosing to withhold judgment until a trailer is released. Some even expressed optimism, noting that Turner had surpassed other rumored contenders, including Mackenzie Denis, Emma Mackey, and Lucy Boynton, to secure the role, and suggesting that with the right creative vision, she could redefine expectations.

The Tomb Raider series marks a new chapter in the franchise’s screen history. Prime Video first greenlit the project in May 2024, and the live-action adaptation follows Netflix’s animated series The Legend of Lara Croft, which premiered in October 2024 and is now entering its second and final season. With filming scheduled to start in January 2026, the earliest footage is unlikely to appear until late 2026 or early 2027, leaving fans to speculate in the meantime.

As debate over Turner’s casting continues, the project underscores both the enduring appeal of Lara Croft and the high expectations surrounding her portrayal. Whether Turner can win over skeptical fans remains to be seen, but with a seasoned creative team at the helm and Amazon backing the production, the series is already positioned as one of the most closely watched video game adaptations in years.