Tomb Raider TV Series Cast: Sigourney Weaver in Talks for Key Role Opposite Sophie Turner

Rumors are swirling that the legendary actress Sigourney Weaver could join Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider series. According to industry reports, Weaver is in active negotiations for a major role in the show, which will star Sophie Turner as the iconic adventurer Lara Croft. While the deal is not yet final, this development signals the project’s momentum as it moves toward the start of production early next year.

This live-action series represents a major new take on the classic video game franchise. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the creator, lead writer, and executive producer, with Jonathan van Tulleken attached to direct. The show is part of a larger plan to connect new television stories and video games into one shared “Tomb Raider” universe.

The Latest Casting News and Rumors

The news about Sigourney Weaver comes from a report by the industry publication Deadline, which multiple entertainment news outlets have since confirmed. It is important to note that her participation is still in the negotiation stage and has not been officially finalized by Amazon.

Details about the character Weaver might play are being kept secret. However, some speculation from fan communities and entertainment sites suggests she could portray a villain. One name frequently mentioned is Ana, a key antagonist from the Rise of the Tomb Raider video game. The production has not confirmed or denied this rumor.

Weaver would be the third major actor linked to the series. Sophie Turner was previously confirmed to play the lead role of Lara Croft. British actor Martin Bobb-Semple has also been cast in a major regular role, with online speculation pointing to him playing Zip, a tech-expert ally of Lara’s from the games.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team

The series is being developed by a high-profile creative team. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the Emmy-winning writer and star of Fleabag, is the driving creative force. She will serve as the show’s creator, head writer, and an executive producer. Chad Hodge has joined the project as a co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Waller-Bridge.

“I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team,” Waller-Bridge said in a statement when Turner’s casting was announced. “It’s not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving.”

Directing duties will be handled by Jonathan van Tulleken, who is also an executive producer. Van Tulleken recently directed episodes of the acclaimed series Shōgun. The series is a production collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, Crystal Dynamics (the studio behind the games), and Dmitri M. Johnson’s Story Kitchen.

Project Status and What We Know About the Show

After rumors earlier in the year that the project might have been shelved, it is now confirmed to be moving forward. The current plan is for filming to begin on January 19, 2026.

While specific plot details are under wraps, a description on the Story Kitchen website states the show aims to “reinvent the franchise on a massive scale”. Early reports suggest the series will feature Lara Croft as an already established adventurer, with a tone similar to the 1999 adventure film The Mummy and a 1990s vibe.

This Prime Video series is separate from the Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft animated series on Netflix, which released its second and final season in December 2024.

Who Is Sigourney Weaver?

Sigourney Weaver is considered one of the most accomplished actors in film, known for groundbreaking roles in science fiction and drama. She is best known for her iconic performance as Ellen Ripley in the Alien film franchise. She is also a key part of James Cameron’s Avatar series, reprising her role in the upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is scheduled for release in December 2025.

Her career accolades include three Academy Award nominations. In recent years, she has also appeared in Amazon’s limited series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and will be seen in the upcoming Star Wars film The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026.

A Look Back at Lara Croft On Screen

The character of Lara Croft has been brought to life on screen by two major actors before Sophie Turner. Angelina Jolie first portrayed the treasure hunter in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and its 2003 sequel. Alicia Vikander later took on the role in the 2018 film Tomb Raider, which served as a reboot origin story.

The Prime Video series will offer a new interpretation for television. In her own statement on landing the part, Sophie Turner acknowledged the legacy she is stepping into.

“I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft,” Turner said. “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.”

What This Means for the “Tomb Raider” Franchise

The potential casting of Sigourney Weaver is a significant step for the series, adding major star power and a respected veteran actor to the ensemble. This move aligns with Amazon’s clear commitment to developing the “Tomb Raider” property across multiple formats. The company, alongside developer Crystal Dynamics, is also working on the next major Tomb Raider video game, which is being built with Unreal Engine 5 and is expected to be featured at The Game Awards.

The broader vision is to interconnect the new television series and future video games into a single, unified storytelling universe. As of now, Prime Video has not announced a target release date for the Tomb Raider series.

Also Read: Percy Jackson Season 2 Out Now: A More Grown-Up Quest and What’s New

---