Sophie Turner Stars as Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider Live-Action Series

The "Tomb Raider" live-action series finally has a lead actress. According to Deadline, "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner will indeed take on the role of Lara Croft. She had been among the top contenders for the iconic role for quite some time. Turner couldn't be more excited. Quote:

"I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft. 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. I can't wait for you all to see what we have cooking."

The creator, writer, and executive producer of the "Tomb Raider" series is Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She is best known for the acclaimed series "Fleabag" and also appeared in the latest "Indiana Jones" film.

"I'm so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. 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. Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…"

Jonathan van Tulleken, who previously demonstrated his skills on "Shōgun", will direct the series. A release date has not been announced yet, but production is set to officially begin on January 19.

From Angelina Jolie to Sophie Turner: the actresses behind Lara Croft

Lara Croft is one of the most famous video game heroines in the world and is considered a pop culture icon. Since her debut in the video game "Tomb Raider" (1996), the British archaeologist and adventurer has been brought to life in several films, series and even advertising campaigns. Different actresses have shaped their own interpretation of the character – from action icons and Hollywood stars to up-and-coming talents. An overview of all the actresses who have played Lara Croft so far.

Rhona Mitra: the original model

Before Lara Croft came to the big screen, she was already portrayed by actress and model Rhona Mitra in the late 90s. Eidos Interactive hired Mitra as the "official" Lara for promotional events and trade fairs in 1997. With her distinctive look, iconic shorts and two pistols, she helped turn Lara Croft into a global brand.

Angelina Jolie: the first cinema Lara

Lara Croft's big breakthrough outside the gaming world came in 2001 with "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider". The role was played by Angelina Jolie, who became a symbol of the character with her mixture of coolness, athleticism and sensuality. Jolie trained intensively to meet the physical demands of the role and gave Lara a rebellious, self-confident aura. Although the film was controversial with critics, it was a box office hit and cemented Jolie's reputation as an action star.

In 2003, Jolie returned in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life". The second part showed a more mature Lara, with more elaborate action sequences and international locations. After two films, however, Jolie withdrew from the role as she wanted to devote herself to new projects. To this day, many fans consider her to be the "ultimate" Lara Croft.

Camilla Luddington: the voice and movement of Lara

With the reboot of the "Tomb Raider" game series in 2013, Lara Croft was given a new face and a new voice. Camilla Luddington, known from "Grey's Anatomy", not only took over the voice acting, but also the motion capture recordings for the games "Tomb Raider" (2013), "Rise of the Tomb Raider" (2015) and "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" (2018).

Luddington brought a more vulnerable yet determined Lara to the screen, who was given a detailed origin story for the first time in the games. Many fans praised her performance for its emotional depth and authenticity. She is still regarded as the defining voice of the modern Lara Croft.

Alicia Vikander: the cinema reboot

In 2018, MGM relaunched the series in cinemas with "Tomb Raider". Oscar winner Alicia Vikander ("The Danish Girl") took on the role and presented a more realistic, more vulnerable Lara Croft. The film was loosely based on the 2013 reboot video game and eschewed over-the-top action elements in favor of a more down-to-earth approach. Vikander's performance was praised, even though the film was less successful at the box office. A planned sequel was later canceled after MGM lost the film rights.

An iconic legacy

From promotional events to blockbuster films and video game performances, Lara Croft has been shaped by very different artists who have all created their own version of the adventurer. While Jolie embodied the glamor and the action heroine, Vikander brought realism and Luddington emotion and depth to the character. With Sophie Turner, the next generation is now waiting in the wings – proof that Lara Croft has lost none of her fascination even after almost 30 years.