Sophie Turner unveiled as Lara Croft in first look from Amazon’s ‘Tomb Raider’ TV Series
Amazon MGM Studios dropped the first official image of Sophie Turner as the legendary adventurer Lara Croft on January 15, 2026, marking a major milestone in the long-awaited Tomb Raider live-action television adaptation now in production for Prime Video. The photo showcases Turner in Croft’s signature rugged gear — teal tank, utility belt with dual holsters, red-tinted sunglasses and braided ponytail — signaling a visual homage to the original video games that launched the franchise’s global cultural impact.
Turner, 29, best known for her breakout role as Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones and recent performances in projects like Do Revenge, steps into a role previously embodied on screen by Angelina Jolie (in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider films of the early 2000s) and Alicia Vikander (in the 2018 movie reboot). Turner expressed deep admiration for the character, describing Croft as a “fierce female role model” in a predominantly male genre, and her casting reflects a blend of action prowess and character depth that fans and industry watchers will be eager to see.
The Legacy of Tomb Raider: Since her debut in 1996, Lara Croft has stood as one of video gaming’s most iconic heroines — a scholarly archaeologist with a fearless edge, tackling global mysteries, tombs, and ancient relics while balancing wit, combat skill, and puzzle-solving prowess. The original Tomb Raider game became an immediate hit on the PlayStation, quickly spawning sequels, novels, comics, animated series, and blockbuster films. Its influence has endured across generations of players, contributing to broader discussions about female representation in video games and entertainment.
(Aside (cue wavy lines and soft violin memory music): The original Tomb Raider game was one of my and my kids’ “Go To” games on our PlayStation I.)
The character’s enduring appeal has also translated into renewed gaming activity, including upcoming titles like Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst, each seeking to expand Croft’s narrative while staying true to her core exploration and action roots.
Who Is Sophie Turner? Born in 1996 in England, Sophie Turner rose to international fame portraying Sansa Stark on HBO’s Game of Thrones, earning critical praise for evolving the character from a naive noble girl to a strategic and resilient leader. Beyond television, Turner has appeared in films such as X-Men: Apocalypse and Netflix’s Do Revenge, and has developed a reputation for versatility, depth, and a willingness to push her range. Off screen, she’s been in the pop culture spotlight for her personal life and advocacy, bringing a sizable fanbase with her into the Tomb Raider spotlight.
In the new Tomb Raider series, Turner leads a talented ensemble cast that includes Sigourney Weaver as a mysterious new character, Jason Isaacs as Lara’s uncle Atlas DeMornay, and others that round out a richly textured world. Creative forces behind the series include acclaimed writer and showrunner Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) and director Jonathan Van Tulleken, whose involvement suggests an ambitious reinvention rooted in character depth as well as high-octane adventure.
It’ll be interesting to see how the new series balances classic Lara Croft traits with updates for today’s TV audiences. No official premiere date has been announced yet, but production is underway in Los Angeles, with expectations high for a 2027 debut that could redefine Tomb Raider for a new generation of fans.
For more on Amazon MGM Studios’ first look at Sophie Turner as the iconic Lara Croft, check out the video accompanying this article.
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(Sources: Prime Video News, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, People, NBC Washington)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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