Tomb Raider fans share mixed reactions to Sophie Turner's Lara Croft

Amazon releases first image of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, drawing mixed reactions from Tomb Raider fans online

Amazon MGM Studios has released a first look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, marking the start of filming on its upcoming Tomb Raider series for Prime Video. The image, shared to announce production, quickly circulated across social media and prompted a range of reactions from fans of the long-running video game franchise.

Turner leads an ensemble cast that includes Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, Celia Imrie and August Wittgenstein. The series is based on the Tomb Raider games, which centre on archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft.

Online responses to the first look reflected mixed opinions. Some viewers expressed reservations about the styling and casting.

One comment read, “It’s giving Halloween shoot sorry,” while another stated, “Go girl give us nothing.” Others questioned whether the portrayal appeared intimidating enough, with one post saying, “Eh. She gotta be badder than this.”

Comparisons to previous portrayals of Lara Croft were also common. Angelina Jolie, who played the character in the 2001 and 2003 films, was frequently referenced, with one fan writing, “Sorry, but Angelina Jolie is and always will be my Lara.” Alicia Vikander portrayed the character in the 2018 reboot.

At the same time, a number of fans welcomed the reveal and praised the costume and overall look. Some described the design as faithful to the original games, with comments such as “They nailed it” and “Clear homage to the original game.”

Others said the first image suggested a strong and accurate adaptation, while several noted they were reserving judgement until seeing Turner in action.

The series is created, written and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. Jonathan Van Tulleken directs and executive produces.

The project is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Crystal Dynamics and Story Kitchen, with multiple executive producers attached. No release date has been announced.