A New Era For Lara Croft Is Unashamedly Capable

Sophie Turner is set to star as the iconic adventurer in the upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series from Amazon, and her take on Lara Croft appears to be a deliberate return to the character's confident 90s personality. Filming began recently on the project, which seems to lean into the globe-trotting heroine's classic persona, moving beyond recent portrayals to rediscover the unshakeable self-assurance that defined her early appearances. This new direction is not just about aesthetics but about embodying a specific attitude that many fans have missed. It suggests a version of the character grounded in capability and driven by her own narrative.

In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Turner explained that this adaptation is about Lara "and her story and what drives her," rather than focusing on how "hot she is in the games and the movies." While acknowledging that the "sex bombshell" aspect is something many people love about the character, Turner expressed a desire to explore a different side. This version of Lara Croft is a woman who does not conceal her capabilities.

"She is not a woman who hides her strengths at all."— Sophie Turner

This approach is supported by a strong creative team. Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, and executive producer, with a cast that includes Celia Imrie, Jason Isaacs, and Sigourney Weaver. Weaver has already praised the scripts as "incredible, and very funny, very charming, very witty." The first look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft reveals a costume that is a clear homage to the classic 90s look, complete with the tank top, small shorts, backpack, and holsters, which has been met with enthusiasm from those who grew up with that iconic image.

I remember playing the original Tomb Raider games on a friend’s computer after school, feeling a sense of wonder that has stayed with me. While I enjoyed the more recent Survivor trilogy, I missed the sheer fun and sass of the original Lara, her confidence, and her unnecessary but thrilling gymnastic moves. The feeling was that something of her core identity had been set aside. Now, it feels like that is about to change. Information reported via Eurogamer points to an official bio update for the character that reinforces this shift. It describes Lara as a "fearless archaeologist and adventurer" whose "style and wit make her a charismatic figure." The bio explicitly mentions her "signature dual pistols," confirming a return to form that many have been waiting for.

Turner’s commitment to the role extends to intense physical preparation. She trained for the better part of a year, building a physique she described as "ripped." The training had a personal impact, giving her a newfound sense of confidence as a mother. She noted that while her instinct before might have been to grab her children and run from a threat, it has now changed to a desire to confront it directly. This physical transformation mirrors the character's own strength. She has spoken about being drawn to complicated, messy characters, finding it "quite liberating to play" women who are raw and vulnerable. For her, it’s about portraying nuanced, layered individuals who experience significant personal progression. This dedication to character depth suggests that Lara will be more than just a physically capable adventurer.

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant one for Tomb Raider fans. Between the new games, Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst, and this live-action series, there is a clear and deliberate effort to bring Lara back to her roots. It's a return to a version of the character who is daring, worldly, and fiercely independent. The combination of a strong cast, a celebrated writer, and a lead actor deeply invested in the psychological and physical aspects of the role suggests this new chapter will honor the legacy of one of gaming's most enduring figures.

Read also, Feral Interactive has announced that the action-adventure title Tomb Raider will be released on Android and iOS on February 12, 2026, for $19.99. The game, originally developed by Crystal Dynamics, represents the first complete mobile port of the modern console version.