Prime Video's Live-Action 'Tomb Raider' Series Takes Shape for 2027 Premiere
The live-action "Tomb Raider" series, featuring Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, is currently in production for Prime Video and is scheduled to premiere in 2027. Prime Video greenlit the series in May 2024, with Turner's casting reported in November of the same year.
Production and Development
The series is a live-action adaptation of the "Tomb Raider" video game franchise, which follows the adventures of archaeologist Lara Croft. Production involves Story Kitchen, Crystal Dynamics, and Amazon MGM Studios. The series development is part of an agreement between Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios, originating from Story Kitchen's first-look deal to develop additional "Tomb Raider" content.
Cast and Creative Team
Sophie Turner, known for her role in 'Game of Thrones,' portrays Lara Croft, following Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander who previously played the character in film adaptations.
Key cast members include:
- Martin Bobb-Semple
- Sigourney Weaver
- Jason Isaacs
- Jack Bannon
- John Heffernan
- Bill Paterson
- Paterson Joseph
- Sasha Luss
- Juliette Motamed
- Celia Imrie
- August Wittgenstein
The creative team includes:
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge: Creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner.
- Chad Hodge: Executive producer and co-showrunner.
- Jonathan van Tulleken: Director and executive producer.
Executive producers for the series include Crystal Dynamics; Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robins through Wells Street Productions; Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Dallas Dickinson of Story Kitchen; Michael Scheel; Chad Hodge; Jonathan van Tulleken; and Legendary Television. Matt McInnism is a co-executive producer, and Jan R. Martin serves as a producer.
Character Portrayal and On-Set Activities
Prime Video released a first look at the series, including initial images of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft. Fan reactions included observations that the costume resembled early game designs and cosplay.
New photos from the set in Surrey, England, depicted Turner in a different costume, described as more realistic and aligning with recent game installments. This costume included grey cargo pants, a ribbed brown shirt, and a navy gilet, differing from Lara Croft's traditional hotpants.
Set reports detailed Turner performing a parachute stunt over a lake and running through woods. Turner reportedly trained for nearly a year for the role to support her performance of stunts in the action-oriented adaptation. A trailer release is not expected soon.
Franchise Background
The "Tomb Raider" video game franchise launched with its first release in 1996. The most recent game in the series, "Shadow of the Tomb Raider," was released in 2018. Two new games, "Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis" and "Tomb Raider: Catalyst," are scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively.