Amazon Prime has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Tomb Raider TV series will move forward with Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner in the lead role of Lara Croft. Filming is set to begin on January 19, 2026, marking a major step for this adaptation amidst earlier uncertainty surrounding the project.
The series’ development endured rumors of cancellation earlier in 2025, but recent reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and others confirm the show remains in production. Turner’s casting had been speculated since late 2024, but Amazon MGM Studios has now made it official along with the start date for principal photography.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, celebrated for her work on Fleabag and Killing Eve, continues as creator, writer, and executive producer. She is joined by Chad Hodge, known for Wayward Pines, as co-showrunner, reflecting a renewed creative push after earlier development delays. Jonathan van Tulleken (Shogun) has also been announced as director and executive producer.
In statements, Waller-Bridge expressed excitement for the project, highlighting the team’s passion for Lara Croft as a character who embodies bravery, humor, and adventure. Turner, for her part, acknowledged the challenge of filling the shoes of predecessors Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander but expressed strong enthusiasm for bringing the iconic character to life with fresh energy.
This Tomb Raider adaptation arrives amid growing synergy between video game properties and streaming service investments in large-scale scripted content. While game developers like Crystal Dynamics continue work on the next Tomb Raider installment, which Amazon is publishing, the TV series represents a distinct narrative path and opportunity to expand the franchise’s global appeal.
The announcement is also indicative of Amazon MGM Studios' strategic focus on blending entertainment and gaming IPs, especially as the streaming market grows increasingly competitive. The Tomb Raider series promises a blend of action, drama, and wit under Waller-Bridge's renowned storytelling, positioning it as a significant entry in the evolving landscape of game-to-screen adaptations.
With production slated to begin in early 2026, fans may expect the series to debut no earlier than late 2026 or beyond, allowing time for post-production and visual effects key to creating an authentic Tomb Raider atmosphere. This project underscores renewed confidence in the viability of video game adaptations with established talent both in front of and behind the camera.
As the team prepares to bring Lara Croft's adventures to life once more, industry observers will keenly watch how the series balances faithful homage with fresh storytelling to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
