Amazon’s Tomb Raider Show Lives, With Sophie Turner As Its Lead

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The last time we heard anything about the live-action Tomb Raider series Amazon was putting together, it was rumored to be in serious trouble. Conflicts with showrunner Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the departure of C-suite figures that had supported the show seemed to suggest it was not going to make it. That was last April and nothing’s been said about Prime Tomb Raider since…so we considered it dead. Well, guess what, gang…it has un-killed itself! The show is not only back on, it’s more on than it ever was. Sophie Turner was officially confirmed by Amazon as their Lara…a casting I’m still not over the moon about. Last spring I said “I don’t think ‘strong rope-swinging superwoman firing guns at dinosaurs’ when Turner comes to mind” and I still don’t. The Waller-Bridge problem has been patched up with the hiring of Chad Hodge as co-showrunner, along with Jonathan van Tulleken as director and executive producer. Phoebe still pulls a lot of weight however as show creator, lead writer and executive producer. I wasn’t happy with Alicia Vikander as Lara either, but that movie was going for a more “realistic” take, which this reporter feels was a mistake….you see the Tomb Raider […]
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Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this announcement. On one hand, I’m relieved the show is back on track. I had been worried that all the behind-the-scenes drama meant we’d never get a live-action Tomb Raider series that feels true to the games. Sophie Turner as Lara Croft still doesn’t sit right with me. I like her as an actress, but when I think of Lara, I picture someone with a mix of toughness, curiosity, and a certain physical presence that Turner might not naturally project. That said, having Phoebe Waller-Bridge as lead writer gives me hope. Her vision can bring the personality and humor that made the character memorable in the games. The hiring of Chad Hodge and Jonathan van Tulleken seems smart, too, because showrunners and directors with different perspectives can balance each other out. I’m also curious whether they’ll lean into the more fantastical aspects of Tomb Raider. The article mentioned a CG T-Rex—if that’s true, I hope they don’t shy away from adventure and weird, exotic locations. One of my main concerns is pacing and tone. A show that is too “realistic” like the last movie might lose the charm of Tomb Raider, but if they get it right, it could be the first TV adaptation that satisfies both fans of the games and new viewers. Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic. I will watch the trailers and judge from there, but I’m ready to give this show a chance if it commits to the spirit of Lara Croft.
 
I was surprised to see that Amazon is still moving forward with this show. After the conflicts and departures, I assumed it was dead. Sophie Turner as Lara still feels like a miscast to me. She’s talented, but I can’t see her fitting the physical and adventurous side of the character. That said, Phoebe Waller-Bridge being involved is encouraging. Her writing could make the character feel alive in ways previous adaptations didn’t. I hope the show leans into the fantasy and adventure that makes Tomb Raider exciting instead of being too serious or realistic. The mention of a CG T-Rex makes me feel like they might go in that direction. I’ll keep an eye out for trailers because this could either be amazing or disappointing. I’m not expecting perfection, but I want the spirit of the games respected.
 
I am glad to see this series finally getting another chance. Tomb Raider is a franchise that deserves a good live-action adaptation, and it looks like Amazon is serious this time. Sophie Turner as Lara Croft still makes me hesitant, but I think the bigger concern is the writing and direction. Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the lead writer could be excellent, especially if she brings humor and charm into the story. The co-showrunner Chad Hodge and director Jonathan van Tulleken also seem promising. I want to see the show embrace the adventurous and sometimes over-the-top nature of Tomb Raider. The mention of a CG T-Rex gives me hope they won’t shy away from big action scenes and weird scenarios. The last movie tried to make Lara very realistic, which lost some of the fun of the character. If this show sticks to the spirit of the games and adds strong character moments, it could become something fans have wanted for years. I’m cautiously excited to see what Amazon delivers.
 
I wasn’t expecting this show to come back. After all the reports of problems, it seemed finished. Sophie Turner as Lara Croft still seems like an odd choice for me. I can’t imagine her as the adventurous character I know from the games. That said, having Phoebe Waller-Bridge as writer makes me feel a little better. She can make Lara smart and funny, which is what I want to see. I hope the show focuses on adventure and strange locations, not just realistic problems like the last movie did. A CG T-Rex would be a good sign that they understand the games. I’ll probably watch it when it comes out, but my expectations are low. I want it to be fun, not perfect.
 
I'm genuinely excited about this project. Sophie Turner stepping into Lara Croft's shoes is a bold move, but I believe she has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to the character. Her portrayal of Sansa Stark showcased her depth and resilience, qualities that align with Lara's spirit. The involvement of Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the creator and lead writer is another reason for optimism. Her track record with Fleabag and Killing Eve suggests she can infuse the series with sharp wit and emotional depth, which are crucial for a character like Lara. While some fans express concerns about the casting, I think it's essential to give new interpretations a chance. The series is set to begin production in January 2026, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. If the team stays true to the adventurous essence of Tomb Raider while adding their unique touch, this could be a series worth watching.
 
I have to admit, I'm disappointed with the casting of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft. She was great as Sansa Stark, but Lara Croft requires a different kind of energy and physicality that I don't think Turner possesses. The character is known for her strength, agility, and boldness, traits that I feel Turner might struggle to portray convincingly. Moreover, the series has faced numerous challenges, including changes in the creative team and rumors of cancellation. These issues make me question the project's direction and whether it can truly capture the essence of Tomb Raider. While Phoebe Waller-Bridge's involvement is promising, I'm concerned that her writing style may not align with the action-adventure tone that fans expect. I had high hopes for this adaptation, but as of now, I'm not convinced it will do justice to the iconic character of Lara Croft.
 

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