Sophie Turner’s New Chapter: Landing Lara Croft Role While Embracing Life Back in the UK
A New Adventure Begins
Sophie Turner has been officially confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios to star as Lara Croft in their upcoming Tomb Raider series. The show, which was initially greenlit at Prime Video in May 2024, will feature Turner in the lead role.
Turner expressed her excitement about the role, stating she is “thrilled beyond measure” to play Lara Croft, acknowledging it as an iconic character “who means so much to so many.” She humbly recognized the challenge ahead, noting the “massive shoes to fill” following the performances of previous Lara Croft actresses Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.
Creative Team and Production Details
The series has assembled a strong creative team, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge leading development as head writer. Chad Hodge has joined as co-showrunner, while Jonathan Van Tulleken has been brought on as executive producer and director. Production is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
Personal Life and Return to the UK
Following her divorce, Turner, 29, returned to her native London in 2023. The Game of Thrones actress has expressed her contentment with life in England, stating, “I just feel so at home here; I never want to move again.” She noted that living in the United States made her realize the importance of having friends and family nearby, returning with “an abundance of appreciation for them.”
Advocacy for Young Actors
Recently, Turner has been vocal about her concerns for child actors, particularly those cast in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. Drawing from her own experience of starting on Game of Thrones at age 13, she discussed the profound impact of social media on her mental health, saying it “almost destroyed me on numerous occasions.” She expressed a desire to protect young actors, advising them to avoid social media.
As she steps into her new role as Lara Croft, industry leaders have praised Turner’s casting, with Vernon Sanders, head of global television at Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, celebrating her as “wonderfully talented” and perfect to bring to life a character “defined by her courage, strength, and unshakable resolve.”
