Sophie Turner is preparing to take on one of Hollywood’s most legendary action roles—Lara Croft in Amazon’s upcoming Tomb Raider series. The Game of Thrones star has set her sights on surpassing Angelina Jolie’s iconic portrayal of the adventurer, a performance that defined female-led action films in the early 2000s. Insiders reveal Turner is training intensely to bring a fresh yet faithful take to the character, hoping to win over both longtime fans and new audiences.
Sophie Turner’s Ambitious Vision
Turner, known for her roles as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones and Jean Grey in X-Men, is no stranger to physically demanding roles. However, her preparation for Tomb Raider goes beyond previous challenges. A source close to the production shared:
*“Sophie is going to town with the training for this movie, and she’s already extremely experienced with screen combat, stunts, and extreme costumes and special effects, thanks to her years in the *Game of Thrones* and X-Men universes. But she’s getting into even better shape for this job and sharpening all of her skill sets.”*
The series, developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), promises a grittier and more violent adaptation, staying true to the game’s roots. Early scripts have reportedly impressed Amazon executives, with some even suggesting they could be expanded into standalone films.
A Legacy to Live Up To
Angelina Jolie first played Lara Croft in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, followed by a sequel in 2003. Her performance set a high bar, blending athleticism, charisma, and a sense of adventure that resonated with audiences. Alicia Vikander later took on the role in the 2018 reboot, offering a younger, more vulnerable version of the character.
Turner acknowledges the legacy but aims to carve her own path.
“She absolutely loves what Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander did with their films, but she wants to equal that work and, over the course of many years-slash-seasons, top it,” an insider revealed .
Adding to the pressure, Turner is the first English actress to play Lara Croft in live-action, a detail she sees as an advantage.
Production Challenges and Fan Reactions
Despite the excitement, the project has faced uncertainty. Reports from The Daily Mail suggested Amazon had canceled the series internally due to scheduling conflicts and leadership changes. However, other sources insist development is still moving forward, with Turner fully committed .
Fans remain divided. Some welcome Turner’s casting, citing her action experience, while others question whether anyone can match Jolie’s impact. Online forums buzz with debates over who could best embody Lara Croft, with names like Lady Gaga and Rachel Zegler even floated as alternatives—though most agree Turner’s background makes her a strong choice .
What’s Next for Tomb Raider?
If the series proceeds, it will join a growing wave of successful video game adaptations, following hits like The Last of Us and Fallout. Amazon’s investment suggests confidence in the franchise’s future, especially with Waller-Bridge’s creative direction.
For now, all eyes are on Turner as she trains to step into Lara Croft’s boots—and possibly redefine the role for a new generation.
