Sophie Turner is set to embody the iconic Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider series penned by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. According to Deadline, the seasoned Game of Thrones actress is currently in negotiations to lead the Amazon-produced series, which is an adaptation of the beloved gaming franchise. Rumors had circulated last month that Turner was in a fierce competition with Lucy Boynton of Bohemian Rhapsody for the coveted role.
This live-action series holds immense significance for Amazon, marking Waller-Bridge's maiden venture since joining the company in 2019 under a deal reportedly worth $20 million annually. "In securing a long-term commitment from a creator like Phoebe, who has a deep-seated passion for Lara Croft/Tomb Raider, having grown up with the character, we're thrilled," exclaimed Amazon's Jennifer Salke last month. "With her as the creator and Lara Croft's bringer of life, we foresee this becoming a monumental franchise for us."
Waller-Bridge will wear dual hats as the series' writer and executive producer. Following her creation and starring role in the acclaimed dark comedy Fleabag, spanning two seasons, she has ventured into the world of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and co-penned No Time to Die, marking Daniel Craig's swan song as James Bond. In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2023, she shared, "The chance to craft a female action character, having honed my skills on Bond and Indy, feels like a culmination of all my experiences. Could I harness all I've learned to helm an action franchise, featuring a character I cherish, while rekindling that captivating 90s essence?"
She further expressed her intention to infuse the project with "something perilous and exhilarating." The role of the adventurous archaeologist has previously been portrayed by Angelina Jolie in two films and Alicia Vikander in another, while Hayley Atwell lent her voice to the character in a recent Netflix animated series.
Turner, who garnered fame as Sansa Stark in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, has since expanded her horizons, appearing as Jean Grey in the X-Men movies and starring alongside Colin Firth in the crime drama The Staircase. Most recently, she shone in ITV's fact-based drama Joan and will soon be seen in the heist thriller Haven.
