British actress Keeley Hawes, celebrated for her role in the hit BBC series Line of Duty, has reportedly joined the cast of Amazon Prime Video's highly anticipated Tomb Raider television adaptation. The 49-year-old star, who originally voiced the iconic video game character Lara Croft, was spotted on set alongside lead actress Sophie Turner, sparking excitement among fans of the long-running franchise.
From Video Game Voice to On-Screen Presence
Hawes first lent her voice to Lara Croft in 2006 for the Tomb Raider: Legend video game series, establishing herself as a key part of the character's legacy. Although she was replaced by Camilla Luddington for subsequent games in 2013, Hawes has maintained her connection to the franchise through appearances in Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris and the Netflix mobile game Tomb Raider Reloaded. Her potential involvement in the new television series marks a significant return to the Tomb Raider universe.
A Coveted Legacy Role
Keeley Hawes joins an exclusive group of performers who have portrayed Lara Croft across various media formats. This distinguished list includes Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, who brought the character to life in major film adaptations, alongside Hayley Atwell in animated versions. Hawes' deep understanding of the character, developed through years of voice work, positions her as a valuable addition to the production.
Sophie Turner Takes the Lead
Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner will headline the series as the latest incarnation of Lara Croft, expressing her enthusiasm when the casting was announced last September. "I'm thrilled beyond measure," Turner stated, acknowledging the weight of following in the footsteps of previous portrayals. "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."
Speculation About Hawes' Role
While official details remain unconfirmed, fan theories suggest Hawes might be playing Lady Amelia Croft, Lara's mother and the Countess of Abbingdon. Photographs from the set show the actress wearing a distinctive long brown trench coat and black boots, fueling speculation about her character's aristocratic background. This potential casting would create a meaningful connection between Hawes' historical involvement with the franchise and the new narrative direction.
Star-Studded Production Team
The Tomb Raider series benefits from considerable creative talent behind the scenes. Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as both creator and showrunner alongside Chad Hodge, with Jonathan Van Tulleken directing. Waller-Bridge's distinctive storytelling style and character development expertise promise to bring fresh perspective to the beloved adventure franchise.
Impressive Supporting Cast
Beyond Hawes and Turner, the series features an acclaimed ensemble including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, and Celia Imrie. Additional cast members Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, and August Wittgenstein round out what promises to be one of television's most exciting new productions. This diverse and talented group ensures multiple compelling performances throughout the series.
Hawes' Connection to the Character
In a 2014 interview with The Independent, Keeley Hawes expressed her fondness for Lara Croft as a character. "I like Lara. She's a British aristocrat, which gives something to go on and she's very dry with a great sense of humour," Hawes explained. "I like it when the scriptwriters introduce little things too. It all fits together well." This understanding of the character's nuances suggests she brings valuable insight to the production.
Appreciation for Tomb Raider Fans
Hawes has consistently praised the Tomb Raider fan community throughout her involvement with the franchise. "They're some of the nicest people I've ever met," she has said of the dedicated followers. "The fans love the game. They love Lara and are passionate for her. She's been around for 20 years and she's a huge part of the teenage years of so many." This mutual respect between performer and audience bodes well for the series' reception.
Production Details and Anticipation
While Amazon Prime Video has not yet announced an official release date for the Tomb Raider series, the combination of established talent and fresh creative vision has generated substantial anticipation. The streaming platform continues to expand its original programming with high-profile adaptations, and this latest project represents a significant investment in bringing video game properties to television audiences.
As production continues, fans eagerly await further details about how this new interpretation will honour the character's legacy while exploring new narrative territory. With Keeley Hawes' potential involvement adding another layer of authenticity to the project, the Tomb Raider television series appears poised to become a major streaming event when it eventually premieres on Amazon Prime Video.
