Amazon Prime Video's highly anticipated "Tomb Raider" live-action series is moving closer to reality, with cameras officially set to roll on January 19, 2026. The project, which has been building momentum for the past two years, has now locked in a leading lady. Sophie Turner will step into the boots of legendary adventurer Lara Croft, marking a bold new chapter in the iconic franchise.
The series has been in development at Amazon since early 2023 and was formally greenlit in May 2024. While Turner's casting was first reported in November 2024, Amazon MGM Studios has now confirmed her involvement for the first time, adding significant weight to the production as it heads toward its start date.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge will serve as creator, writer, and executive producer, shaping the story of Croft's latest on-screen adventures. She will also share showrunning duties with Chad Hodge, who joins as co-showrunner and executive producer. Directing responsibilities will be handled by Jonathan van Tulleken, who has previously worked on acclaimed series including Shōgun and Top Boy.
"I'm so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. 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 and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is. Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…," said Waller-Bridge.
Turner also expressed excitement about the role, saying, "I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft. She's such an iconic character, who means so much to so many - and I am giving everything I've got. 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. I can't wait for you all to see what we have cooking."
The "Tomb Raider" character, first introduced in the 1996 video game developed by Core Design, has become one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in gaming history. With over 85 million copies sold across the franchise, Lara Croft has transcended the medium, appearing in films, comics, and animated projects. This new series is set to expand her legacy further, offering fresh narratives while staying true to the adventurous spirit that made her a cultural icon.
"Lara Croft is one of the most recognizable and iconic video game characters of all time. We are thrilled to have the wonderfully talented Sophie Turner bring this character to life who is defined by her courage, strength, and unshakable resolve. Led by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this series will honor the beloved ‘Tomb Raider' legacy while delivering fresh adventures to fans worldwide," said Prime Video executive Vernon Sanders, head of global television at Amazon MGM Studios.
The series producers include Crystal Dynamics, the studio behind many of the franchise's best-selling games, and additional executive producers include Jenny Robins (via Waller-Bridge's Wells Street Productions), Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, and Timothy I. Stevenson of Story Kitchen, as well as Michael Scheel, Chad Hodge, and Jonathan van Tulleken. Legendary Television is also on board, with production handled by Story Kitchen, Crystal Dynamics, and Amazon MGM Studios.
The adaptation stems from a larger partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios, forged through Story Kitchen's first-look deal with the studio. The arrangement opens the door for additional Tomb Raider projects, including potential spin-offs and feature films, signaling Amazon's ambition to build a lasting franchise around Croft's adventures.
Tags: amazon prime video, tomb raider, sophie turner, phoebe waller-bridge