Inspired casting or a grave mistake? Deadline reports that Phoebe Waller-Bridge may have found her Lara Croft for her “Tomb Raider” series over at Prime Video. And who’s in talks to star as the video game heroine? None other than Lady Sansa herself, Sophie Turner.
READ MORE: ‘Tomb Raider’: Sophie Turner & Lucy Boynton Are Testing For The Role Of Lara Croft In Prime Videos’ Series
The outlet says Turner is in negotiations to lead the series adaptation of the hit video game franchise after being among the actresses who tested for the role last month. If Turner lands the part, it’s arguably her biggest role to date, joining Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander as the only ones to play live-action Crofts.
But is the ex-“Game Of Thrones” star the right fit for the part? As a character, Lara Croft is a feisty, agile, globe-trotter, and Sophie Turner isn’t really that. Then again, Vikander hadn’t done a single action role before she landed the lead role in the 2018 remake and her Croft is arguably the best one onscreen yet. So maybe Waller-Bridge sees something in Turner that others (like this writer) don’t. And if Turner takes on the Croft mantle, that special something better not just in Waller-Bridge’s head; “Tomb Raider” is a passion for the multi-hyphenate, and if it’s a failure she may be on shaky ground with Amazon MGM Studios.
“Tomb Raider” sees Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robins serve as executive producers on the series via Wells Street Productions, with Dmitri M. Johnson through dj2 Entertainment, Michael Scheel, Crystal Dynamics, and rights holders Legendary Television. The series is a Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios co-production.
Turner’s recent roles include the British crime drama “Joan” and another upcoming Prime Video series, “Haven,” a heist thriller. The actress nabbed an Emmy nod for her work as Sansa Stark on “Game Of Thrones,” but her work since that series ended hasn’t held quite the same appeal for both critics and audiences. Maybe “Tomb Raider” changes that.
Don’t expect “Tomb Raider” on Prime Video until 2026.