At a Glance
- Sophie Turner has begun filming Prime Video’s live-action Tomb Raider series, announced January 15, 2026
- The character debuted in 1996; Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander previously starred on screen
- Netflix animated series with Hayley Atwell will end after its second season premieres December 2025
- Why it matters: Turner’s take arrives as the franchise nears its 30-year anniversary, testing whether a streaming series can revive cinema’s most famous archaeologist
Nearly three decades after Lara Croft first raided digital tombs, cameras are rolling on a fresh incarnation. Production on Prime Video’s live-action Tomb Raider series officially started January 15, 2026, with Sophie Turner stepping into the cargo pants and twin pistols, according to an announcement from News Of Los Angeles. The news caps a lineage of actresses who have embodied the globe-trotting adventurer across games, film, and television since 1996.
From Pixels to Screen: Who Has Played Lara Croft
Lara Croft debuted in 1996’s Tomb Raider video game, sending players after the mythical Scion of Atlantis. The success spawned sequels, merchandise, and Hollywood interest. Each screen version has re-imagined the archaeologist for its era while keeping her signature intellect, athleticism, and nerve.
Angelina Jolie’s Blockbuster Era
Angelina Jolie first portrayed Lara in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (June 2001) and returned for The Cradle of Life (July 2003). She told News Of Los Angeles in February 2025 that she initially rejected the role until producers promised global travel and military training. “I will wear the shorts for the first five minutes and then I’ll never wear them again,” she recalled negotiating. “That’s actually what happened.”
Filming in Cambodia introduced Jolie to the country; she later adopted her son Maddox there, calling the experience life-changing.
Alicia Vikander’s gritty reboot
Danish Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander headlined 2018’s Tomb Raider, directed by Roar Uthaug. The plot followed a younger Lara searching for her missing father and the ancient Queen Himiko. Despite talk of a sequel, MGM lost the rights and by 2022 Vikander was “no longer attached,” Deadline reported. In September 2024 she told The Independent she was “sad” about the outcome: “I had so much fun. Of course I would have come back.”
Hayley Atwell Voices Animated Lara
Marvel star Hayley Atwell voiced Lara in Netflix’s Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, which premiered 2024. The series pits the hero against a “superpowered mercenary and an ancient cult,” according to the streamer. Atwell told Radio Times that female writers across the games and shows help keep the character contemporary. Netflix renewed the cartoon for a second season in October 2024, then announced it would conclude with that batch of episodes, released December 2025.
Sophie Turner Prepares for the Spotlight
In November 2024 Amazon revealed that Sophie Turner, best known as Game of Thrones‘ Sansa Stark, would headline the upcoming live-action drama from creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Filming began this month in locations kept under wraps.
“They’re massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia with their powerhouse performances,” Turner said in a statement to Variety. “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.”
Character Through the Years
| Actress | Title | Release | Medium | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelina Jolie | Lara Croft: Tomb Raider | June 2001 | Film | 2 films completed |
| Angelina Jolie | The Cradle of Life | July 2003 | Film | Sequel |
| Alicia Vikander | Tomb Raider | March 2018 | Film | Stand-alone |
| Hayley Atwell | The Legend of Lara Croft | 2024 | Netflix animation | Ends Dec 2025 |
| Sophie Turner | Untitled | TBA 2026 | Prime Video series | In production |
Why Lara Croft Endures
Hayley Atwell argues the character’s fusion of history, myth, and action keeps her relevant: “She’s unique in that she’s an action adventurer who [creates] myth-fuelled stories. So it’s combining elements of archaeology and history and ancient cultures, and that makes her timeless.”
Key Takeaways
- The new Prime Video series marks Lara Croft’s first live-action appearance since 2018
- Five actresses have now portrayed the explorer across games, TV, and film
- With production underway, Turner’s version faces pressure to satisfy both gamers and streamers
- Marcus L. Bennett reported the latest updates for News Of Los Angeles
