Sophie Turner has revealed her vision for portraying Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider live-action series remake, stating she deliberately avoided turning the iconic character into a "sex bombshell." The British actor, best known for her role in Game of Thrones, is leading the new Amazon Prime Video production, which serves as an origin story for the highly intelligent and resourceful British archaeologist.
Emphasising Capability Over Appearance
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Turner explained that her interpretation of Lara Croft prioritises the character's inner drive and capabilities rather than her physical appearance. "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 stated. She added, "She's so unashamedly capable. She is not a woman who hides her strengths at all."
Contrasting with Previous Portrayals
This approach marks a distinct departure from some previous adaptations where Croft's character design, particularly in the original video games, featured tight shorts and fitted tops that accentuated her figure. While recent official images show Turner in a similar costume complete with a prominently displayed gun, the emphasis has shifted away from exaggerated physical attributes towards a more balanced representation of the character's skills and personality.
Star-Studded Production Team and Cast
The new Tomb Raider series boasts an impressive creative team, with Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge serving as creator and executive producer, and Jonathan Van Tulleken directing. Turner steps into a role previously played by Oscar-winning actors Alicia Vikander and Angelina Jolie in earlier film adaptations.
The supporting cast features several notable names, including:
- Sigourney Weaver as Evelyn Wallis, described as a "high-flying woman who is keen to exploit Lara's talents"
- Celia Imrie as Francine, head of advancement at the British Museum
- Jason Isaacs as Croft's uncle, Atlas DeMornay
Gruelling Preparation for the Role
Turner has undergone extensive physical training to prepare for the demanding role, revealing on The Julia Cunningham Show that she has been training "eight hours a day, five days a week since February of last year." She described the process as challenging, particularly as someone who hadn't previously maintained a regular workout routine. "It's taken me months and months and months to get into good shape," Turner admitted.
During her training, Turner discovered she has a "perpetual back problem" and noted that building muscle proved more difficult without prior fitness experience. Despite these challenges, she expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project, stating: "I've been a long-time fan of Tomb Raider and the character of Lara. She has always felt for me, very emboldened in a male-dominated world. She's a fierce female role model."
The series represents a significant opportunity to reinterpret one of gaming's most recognisable characters for a new generation, with Turner's emphasis on capability over conventional sex appeal potentially reshaping how Lara Croft is perceived in mainstream entertainment.
