Sophie Turner has been captured in action for the first time as Lara Croft, enduring pouring rain and chilly conditions while executing her own stunts during filming in Surrey. The 29-year-old actor, announced last year to take on the iconic role previously portrayed by Angelina Jolie in a new Amazon Prime Video series, adapted for television by Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, was seen soaring over a lake on a parachute, securely attached to safety equipment as cameras rolled on location.
Braving the Elements for Iconic Role
In the newly released images, Sophie swapped Lara Croft's classic tank top and shorts for practical grey cargo trousers and a navy gilet, appearing to relish the filming process despite the lack of Hollywood sunshine. Battling typical British weather, she took shelter under an umbrella between takes, highlighting the physically demanding nature of the shoot. This comes after she disclosed over a year of rigorous preparation for the role, telling ScreenRant, "I've been training for a long time now, coming up on a year, and we're going to start shooting in January. I'm really excited, but I feel prepped, and I feel really lucky to have such a great relationship with Amazon."
Fan and Peer Acclaim for Transformation
Following the release of first-look images, fans and celebrities alike have lavished praise on Sophie's transformation into Lara Croft. Fellow Game of Thrones star Alfie Allen exclaimed, "SOPH! LEGENDARY!" while an avid fan commented, "You look absolutely incredible as Lara Croft Sophie!! I so cannot wait for this!! This is gonna be brilliant." Another viewer, initially skeptical about the casting, was won over, noting, "I hope the script does this look justice. It's giving classic Tomb Raider and I'm here for it."
Series Details and Star-Studded Cast
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the series is based on the beloved video game franchise, chronicling the adventures of archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft as she unravels mysteries. In addition to Sophie Turner, the show has announced a stellar supporting cast including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, and Celia Imrie. Turner follows in the footsteps of previous Lara Croft portrayals by Angelina Jolie, Alicia Vikander, and voice actor Keeley Hawes.
Sophie's Enthusiasm and Waller-Bridge's Vision
Expressing her excitement about the role last September, Sophie stated, "She's such an iconic character, who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I've got. They're massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia with their powerhouse performances, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands." Show creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge described Sophie as "formidable" in the official announcement, adding, "It's not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving. Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is."
The upcoming Tomb Raider series is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video, promising a fresh take on the legendary character with a blend of action, adventure, and star power.
