Prime Video’s upcoming ‘Tomb Raider’ series is shaping up to be a bold reinvention rather than a nostalgic retread, and Sophie Turner is making one thing clear early: this Lara Croft won’t be defined by her looks.
As the production is already in progress, Turner’s remarks indicate a calculated move to abandon the hyper-sexualized image that the character has been associated with since her introduction in the 1990s video game.
Sophie Turner Wants A Smarter, Stronger Lara Croft For A New Era
Sophie Turner is approaching Croft as a layered, capable woman whose appeal comes from her intelligence, resilience, and inner drive. With the media world becoming increasingly concerned with reevaluating classic characters, Turner’s interpretation is not only timely but also much needed, particularly for a character who has long existed in the realm of both empowerment and objectification.
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“It’s about her and her story and what drives her. Rather than what so many people also love about her, which is how hot she is in the games and the movies,” Turner told the LA Times. “But I really want to show the other side. She’s so unashamedly capable. She is not a woman who hides her strengths at all.” Turner has been pleasantly open about what she does not want to leave behind. She claims that she is trying to pay tribute to Croft’s legacy without turning her into a visual stereotype.
This iteration will be based on inspiration and emotional richness, as opposed to overstated proportions and superficial coolness. And Turner’s attitude is consistent with her career path. Since her debut as Jean Grey in the X-Men series and her breakout role on ‘Game of Thrones’, she has tended to gravitate towards characters who are struggling with power, identity, and responsibility. Lara Croft, as Turner understands her, is a perfect fit, a woman who doesn’t hide her strengths or apologize for them.
Why This ‘Tomb Raider’ Feels Different
The artistic direction of the series gives additional credence to Sophie Turner’s vision. As the creator and writer, Phoebe Waller-Bridge has a lot to live up to. She has established a reputation for creating imperfect, strong women who are painfully real.
This makes a promising match for a modern Lara Croft. ‘Tomb Raider’ was a pioneer in its time in 1996. It introduced one of the first female protagonists in the history of gaming, who was globally recognized.
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However, times have changed, and so have the audience’s expectations. Today’s viewers are less interested in spectacle and more drawn to stories that explore why heroes do what they do. Although the plot specifics are still shrouded in secrecy, and the series is still expected to be released in 2027 or 2028, the tone is already clear. This ‘Tomb Raider’ is not about redefining Lara Croft, but reclaiming her.
