The long-awaited Tomb Raider series helmed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) has finally found its Lara Croft. Game of Thrones and Joan actress Sophie Turner has landed the role of the iconic video game and film heroine. Waller-Bridge is billed as creator, writer, and co-showrunner. Production is set to begin January 19, 2026.

“I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. It’s not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving,” Waller-Bridge stated in the press release. “Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is. Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…”

The series has been in development since it was first announced in 2023, a part of Waller-Bridge’s overall deal with the streamer. A year later, in May, it was picked up for a series. By the fall of last year, Tuner and Lucy Boynton (Murder on the Orient Express, Miss Potter) were rumored to be the final choices to fill the live-action boots, previously worn by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.

Tomb Raider is based on the multi-million-selling video game franchise of the 1990s that focused on Croft, a female explorer most comparable to Indiana Jones. With her trademark ponytail, shorts, and green top, the character has traversed from PlayStation consoles to the big screen. The character most recently starred in an animated series on Netflix with Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter, Rivals) voicing Lara.

“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. 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. I can’t wait for you all to see what we have cooking,” Turner said via the press release.

Joining Waller-Bridge’s creative team is co-showrunner and EP Chad Hodge. The writer, producer, and showrunner is known for the psychological thriller Wayward Pines and created the TNT thief drama Good Behavior. The WGA Award nominee is eyeing features in his future, including the A24-produced Famous starring Zac Effron (High School Musical, The Iron Claw).

Jonathan Van Tulleken will direct as well as executive-produce the series. Van Tulleken recently worked on the highly-regarded series, Shogun. He also directed episodes for the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series and the Apple show, Lucky. Across the pond, he’s garnered praise for directing pivotal episodes of Misfits and the entire second season of Top Boy.

Vernon Sanders, Head of Global Television, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios added: “Lara Croft is one of the most recognizable and iconic video game characters of all time. We are thrilled to have the wonderfully talented Sophie Turner bring this character to life who is defined by her courage, strength, and unshakable resolve. Led by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this series will honor the beloved Tomb Raider legacy while delivering fresh adventures to fans worldwide.”

According to the press release, the series is executive produced by Crystal Dynamics, Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robins (No Time to Die, EastEnders) through Wells Street Productions, Dmitri M. Johnson (Split Fiction, Sonic the Hedgehog 3), Mike Goldberg (Shinobi, The House of the Dead), and Timothy I. Stevenson (Ruiner, Savages) through Story Kitchen, Michael Scheel (Inglorious Bastards, Mission: Impossible 3), and Legendary Television.

Photo credit: Ray Flotat