Full Breakdown
Sophie Turner Transforms into Lara Croft for Prime Video's Tomb Raider Series
2/20/2026, 8:54:06 PM
Intense Training and Preparation
Sophie Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in *Game of Thrones*, is set to portray the iconic character Lara Croft in Prime Video's upcoming *Tomb Raider* series. Turner has been preparing for this physically demanding role since February 2025, undergoing an extensive training regimen of eight hours a day, five days a week. She described the process as challenging, stating, “I've learned I have a perpetual back problem, but I also realized that it's much easier to kind of build muscle if you've ever worked out before in your life, which I never had.” This rigorous training has been essential for her to adapt to the action-oriented nature of the character.
Action-Packed Filming
Recent set photos and videos from the series reveal Turner engaged in intense action sequences, including dramatic knife fights and motorcycle chases. Filming took place in a wooded area in Surrey, where the quiet location was transformed into a chaotic battleground illuminated by floodlights. Turner was seen wielding a knife and sprinting through the trees before making a swift escape on a motorcycle driven by her co-star Martin Bobb-Semple, who plays Zip, Lara's trusted tech support and ally. The scenes depict a grounded and rugged portrayal of Lara Croft, aligning with the tone of the recent video game adaptations.
Official Statements & Responses
Turner expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft. She's such an iconic character, who means so much to so many - and I am giving everything I've got.” She acknowledged the legacy of previous portrayals by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, emphasizing the pressure of stepping into such a well-known role. The series is being developed under the creative direction of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as the creator, writer, and executive producer.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Turner's casting, some fans initially questioned her suitability for the role, given her previous experience primarily in dramatic roles rather than action. However, early glimpses of her performance suggest she is winning over skeptics, as her commitment to the physical demands of the character has been evident in the training and filming process.
What's Next
The *Tomb Raider* series is currently slated to premiere on Prime Video in 2027. As production continues, anticipation builds for a full trailer that will showcase Turner's portrayal of Lara Croft and the ambitious vision of the creative team behind the project.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't say much, but my preparation began in February [2025]. I've been training for a long time now, coming up on a year, and we're going to start shooting in January. I'm really excited, but I feel prepped, and I feel really lucky to have such a great relationship with Amazon, and I'm excited for the world to see what we do with Lara and Tomb Raider. I think it's going to be something special.” — Sophie Turner, Actress
- “'So, it's quite nice to learn how to throw a punch and not just take it.” — Sophie Turner, Actress
- “Speaking about stepping into Lara Croft's boots, Sophie admitted she was both excited and daunted: 'I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft.” — Sophie Turner, Actress
- “'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.” — Sophie Turner, Actress
