Amazon MGM Studios has officially ignited the next era of adventure, announcing that principal photography for the live-action ‘Tomb Raider’ series is now underway. To celebrate the start of production at Shepperton Studios, the studio released a stunning first-look image of Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) as the legendary Lara Croft, signaling a return to the character’s classic roots for the upcoming Prime Video exclusive.

The highly anticipated series is created and written by Emmy-winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), who also serves as executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. Waller-Bridge, a lifelong fan of the 1996 video game sensation, aims to bring her signature wit and subversive storytelling to the franchise.

“Tomb Raider boasts a plethora of iconic characters,” Waller-Bridge stated on Thursday. “I am thrilled to have been able to bring some personal and fan favorites to the screen while also introducing a few new rascals of our own. This cast is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Stepping into the boots previously worn by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, the 29-year-old Turner channels a classic silhouette in the debut image—complete with red-hued sunglasses and a teal tank top. Turner has reportedly been in intense physical training since February 2025 to prepare for the role’s demanding stunts.

“I’ve been a longtime fan of ‘Tomb Raider’ and the character of Lara,” Turner shared. “She has always felt, for me, very emboldened in a male-dominated world. She’s a fierce female role model!”

Amazon MGM Studios has assembled a “powerhouse” ensemble to support Turner’s globe-trotting journey. The cast features a blend of canon video game characters and original figures:

• Sigourney Weaver: Portraying Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious woman seeking to exploit Lara’s unique talents.
• Jason Isaacs: Starring as Atlas DeMornay, Lara’s uncle.
• Bill Paterson: Taking on the role of Winston, the iconic Croft family butler.
• Martin Bobb-Semple: Playing Zip, Lara’s long-standing tech support and friend.
• Jack Bannon: Cast as Gerry, Lara’s personal pilot and “snack collector.”
• Celia Imrie: Playing Francine, the fundraiser-focused Head of Advancement at the British Museum.

Peter Friedlander, head of Amazon MGM Studios, noted that the inclusion of veterans like Weaver and Isaacs adds “incredible depth and gravitas” to the series. The production is a massive collaboration involving Crystal Dynamics, Legendary Television, and Story Kitchen, designed to interconnect the live-action show with future games like Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (2026).

Directed by Jonathan Van Tulleken (Shogun), the series promises to be a grounded yet epic reimagining that honors the 30-year legacy of the world’s most famous archaeologist while carving out a fresh, high-stakes narrative for a global audience.

Key Highlights:

• Production Kickoff: Principal photography for the Tomb Raider TV series officially began on January 15, 2026, at Shepperton Studios.
• Iconic Casting: Sophie Turner has been revealed as the new Lara Croft, with a first-look image paying homage to her 1996 original video game appearance.
• Elite Creative Team: The show is created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, with Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs joining the main cast.
• Canon Connections: The series features classic game characters like Winston (the butler) and Zip (tech support), bridging the gap between the games and the screen.