The Game of Thrones star will play Lara Croft in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s new Amazon series

On By Littum

Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner is reportedly in talks to direct Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming TV adaptation of the popular video game franchise Tomb Raider.

Turner is set to play the role of protagonist Lara Croft in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s new series, according to Deadline. Although the deal has not yet been finalized, it is expected to close soon, according to the outlet.

Amazon Prime Video declined The independent‘s request for comment.

Flea bag Star and creator Waller-Bridge will write and produce the show, which was greenlit by Amazon earlier this year. Reports of its development initially broke in January 2023.

Last month it was reported that Turner was up against Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) for the role. Emma Corrin and Mackenzie Davis were also among the actors on the producer’s wish list, but ultimately did not test for the role, per Deadline.

Turner, 28, who starred as Sansa Stark in HBO’s hit drama Game of Thronesis the latest in a line of actors to take on the role of the British archaeologist.

Sophie Turner to lead Amazon's new 'Tomb Raider' as Lara Croft
Sophie Turner to lead Amazon’s new ‘Tomb Raider’ as Lara Croft (AFP via Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie first starred as the titular heroine in the 2001s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and the 2003s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – Cradle of Life. Alicia Vikander later took on the role in Warner Bros’ 2018 Tomb Raider reboot.

Although the latter received middling reviews, Vikander was praised for her portrayal and was expected to return for a sequel. However, MGM lost the rights to Tomb Raider in 2022, and the project fell apart.

At the time, the rights to the beloved character were part of a bidding war between several Hollywood studios, with one source describing it as a “feeding frenzy.”

Amazon, which later bought MGM in 2022, is rumored to have bought the rights to the video game series for $600 million.

The new one Tomb Raider is part of Waller-Bridge’s $20 million-year deal with Amazon, which she signed in 2019.

When the series was ordered in May, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke teased it as “epic” and “globe trotting,” while also praising Waller-Bridge: “She’s smart, brilliant, generous and a virtuoso on multiple fronts, including writing, acting and producing.”

“Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n All,” the To kill Eve said the creator.