Full Breakdown
Sophie Turner: From Sansa Stark to Lara Croft and Beyond
1/17/2026, 8:44:07 AM
Transitioning Roles in the Spotlight
Sophie Turner, renowned for her portrayal of Sansa Stark in HBO's *Game of Thrones*, is making significant strides in her acting career with two major upcoming projects: the gothic horror film *The Dreadful* and the Prime Video series *Tomb Raider*. Turner, who began her acting journey at the age of 14, has expressed the challenges and growth she experienced during her time on *Game of Thrones*, where she felt "thrown in at the deep end" and developed her craft on set.
The Dreadful: A Gothic Reunion
In *The Dreadful*, set to release on February 20, 2026, Turner reunites with her former *Game of Thrones* co-star Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow. This film presents a stark contrast to their previous roles as siblings, as they now portray lovers caught in a dark narrative filled with curses and emotional turmoil. Turner plays Anne, a woman living with her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen (Marcia Gay Harden), while Harington's character, Jago, returns from war, igniting a series of haunting events.
Both actors have acknowledged the awkwardness of transitioning from siblings to romantic leads. Turner humorously recounted their first kissing scene, stating, “We were both retching... it was vile.” Harington echoed her sentiments, describing the experience as “very odd,” but ultimately rewarding as they rekindled their friendship on set.
Steal: A Heist Drama
Alongside *The Dreadful*, Turner stars in *Steal*, a Prime Video drama premiering on January 21, 2026. In this series, she plays Zara, a corporate worker caught in a high-stakes heist that disrupts her mundane life. The show, described as a blend of tension and chaos, showcases Turner’s versatility as she navigates a character who evolves from an office worker to an action hero amidst a corporate robbery.
Lara Croft: A New Icon
Turner is also set to take on the iconic role of Lara Croft in the upcoming *Tomb Raider* series, which is currently in production. The series, developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, aims to return to the character's roots, featuring Turner in a look reminiscent of the original 1996 video game. She has undergone extensive training, reportedly eight hours a day, five days a week, to prepare for the physically demanding role. Turner expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve been a long-time fan of Tomb Raider... she’s a fierce female role model.”
Official Statements & Responses
Turner has reflected on her journey post-*Game of Thrones*, noting the challenges of rebuilding her career after taking time off to focus on family. She stated, “You don’t realize how important momentum is in a career, and I stalled it a bit.” Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic about the future of the film industry, particularly in the UK, where she has returned to work.
Criticism & Opposition
While Turner’s transition into these new roles has been largely celebrated, some fans have expressed discomfort at her and Harington's romantic pairing in *The Dreadful*, given their history as siblings in *Game of Thrones*. Social media reactions have ranged from humorous to critical, with some fans finding the shift unsettling.
What's Next
As Turner embarks on these new projects, audiences can anticipate her performances in both *The Dreadful* and *Tomb Raider*, marking a significant evolution in her career from the beloved Stark sister to a formidable action heroine. The upcoming releases promise to showcase her range and depth as an actress, further solidifying her place in the entertainment industry.
