Amazon has officially silenced cancellation rumors regarding its Tomb Raider television series, confirming that the project is moving forward with Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner cast as the iconic Lara Croft. Despite earlier reports suggesting the series—penned by Phoebe Waller-Bridge—had been scrapped, industry outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and Variety have confirmed that production is officially on the calendar for January 19, 2026.
Development Back on Track
While rumors of the show’s demise circulated earlier this year via speculative reports, the project has remained in active development since its 2023 announcement. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creative force behind Fleabag and Killing Eve, remains attached as writer and executive producer. To bolster the production, Chad Hodge (Wayward Pines, Good Behavior) has joined the team as a co-showrunner, a move likely intended to accelerate progress following a period of development stagnation.
A Star-Studded Creative Team
Waller-Bridge expressed enthusiasm regarding the casting and the creative direction of the series. “I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team,” she stated, noting that Jonathan Van Tulleken (Shogun) will serve as director. She added that the team is deeply passionate about capturing the essence of Lara Croft, aiming to portray her as “outrageous, brave and hilarious.”
Sophie Turner, who recently starred in Joan, shared her excitement about stepping into the role. “I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft,” Turner said. “She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many—and I am giving everything I’ve got.”
Filling Iconic Shoes
Turner is set to become the third high-profile actress to portray Lara Croft in a live-action production, following the tenures of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. Acknowledging the weight of the role, Turner noted, “They’re massive shoes to fill, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands.”
What to Expect from the Series
Optimism surrounding the project stems from the alignment of talent; Turner’s background allows her to naturally embody the character’s traditional English roots, while Waller-Bridge is widely recognized for her ability to balance complex drama with sharp wit. The return of Lara Croft’s sense of humor—a trait arguably overlooked in recent gaming iterations—is a focal point for the upcoming adaptation.
Given the scheduled start of filming in early 2026 and the inevitable intensity of post-production for a series of this scale, fans should anticipate a significant wait. A release window of Holiday 2026 remains a hopeful estimate as the production team prepares to bring this new iteration of the adventurer to the small screen.
