First image of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft sparks mixed reactions

Since May 2024, it has been known that Amazon Prime Video is developing a live-action series based on the Tomb Raider franchise. The show is set to draw inspiration from the character’s classic portrayal in the early games. Sophie Turner, best known for her role in Game of Thrones, has been cast as Lara Croft. A first image of the British actress in the iconic role offers a glimpse of her take on the adventurous archaeologist. The photo was shared by Prime Video on X with the caption: “Get out your artifacts. Lara is on her way.”

Visually, Sophie Turner’s take on Lara Croft closely matches what many fans might expect – a tank top, shorts and twin pistols in thigh holsters, clearly referencing the character’s classic design. To match the athleticism of the iconic adventurer, Turner reportedly underwent intensive physical training. Reactions from the community, however, are sharply divided. While many fans praise the look and express excitement for the series, critics on platforms such as Reddit have been less enthusiastic, dismissing the portrayal as “cosplay” and questioning Turner’s acting abilities, often citing her previous roles in Game of Thrones and the X-Men films.

A final verdict will have to wait until the first episodes are released. Regardless of the ongoing debate surrounding the lead role, the series boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs and Celia Imrie. Fans can also expect familiar faces from the Tomb Raider universe, with characters such as Zip, Atlas and Winston confirmed to appear. There is growing speculation that the series’ storyline could be closely linked to the plot of the next Tomb Raider game. Meanwhile, Tomb Raider I–III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is currently available on Amazon for PS5 at $30.