Move over Westeros, there is a new kingdom to conquer, and this one involves significantly more dual-wielding and ancient curses. Amazon MGM Studios has officially confirmed that production is underway for the highly anticipated Tomb Raider series, and they’ve given us our first glimpse of Sophie Turner as the legendary Lara Croft.
For those of us who grew up navigating pixelated jungles this news feels like a long-overdue homecoming. The first-look image is a glorious nod to the 1996 original, featuring Turner in the iconic teal tank top, rugged shorts, and those signature red-hued sunglasses. It is a bold, nostalgic aesthetic that suggests the series is leaning into the fun, daring spirit of the classic games rather than just the gritty realism of recent reboots.
A Cast That Means Business
While Turner is undoubtedly the star of the show, she isn’t heading into the catacombs alone. The supporting cast is impressive. The legendary Sigourney Weaver is joining as Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious figure described as a “high-flying woman” looking to exploit Lara’s unique skill set. If anyone knows how to survive a hostile environment, it’s the woman who stared down a Xenomorph, so we are here for this energy.
Joining them is Jason Isaacs as Atlas DeMornay, Lara’s uncle. Fans of the Rise of the Tomb Raider DLC will recognise the name, though with Isaacs behind the character, we expect a level of sophisticated menace that only he can provide. Rounding out the “classic” roster is Bill Paterson as Winston, the long-suffering Croft butler, and Martin Bobb-Semple as Zip, Lara’s essential tech support.
The Waller-Bridge Touch
Perhaps the most exciting element of this production is the creative force at the helm. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is serving as creator, writer, and executive producer. Known for her razor-sharp wit in Fleabag and the tension of Killing Eve, Waller-Bridge has described this project as a “massive reinvention” that remains deeply rooted in her own childhood love for the character.
She is joined by co-showrunner Chad Hodge and director Jonathan Van Tulleken (fresh off the success of Shōgun), creating a powerhouse trio that promises to deliver something “dangerous and exciting.” Waller-Bridge has spoken about bringing back that “90s vibe,” and if the first-look wardrobe is anything to go by, she is keeping her word.
Why This Matters
The Tomb Raider franchise has seen its fair share of iterations, from the Angelina Jolie blockbusters to Alicia Vikander’s gritty origin story. However, a high-budget, long-form series on Prime Video allows for the kind of character depth and globe-trotting archaeology that a two-hour film often has to rush.
Turner has reportedly been training intensely for over a year to prepare for the physical demands of the role. She’s also been doing her homework, playing the original games and reading the comics, though she’s admitted to avoiding the previous films to ensure her take on Lara is entirely her own.
With production now officially kicking off, the countdown to Lara’s return has begun. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a proper adventure of this scale on the small screen, and with this particular team behind the wheel, we are reasonably confident that the “Sansa Stark” era of Lara Croft is going to be one for the history books.
