Sophie Turner Embraces Lara Croft with Daring Stunts in Surrey Rain
Sophie Turner demonstrated her commitment to the iconic role of Lara Croft on Thursday, performing her own stunts amidst torrential rain as filming for the Tomb Raider television series commenced in Surrey. The 29-year-old actress, following in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, threw herself into action sequences with remarkable dedication.
A Year of Intensive Preparation
Turner's physical transformation for the role involved nearly a year of rigorous training, beginning in February 2025. Speaking to ScreenRant, she revealed, 'I've been training for a long time now, coming up on a year, and we're going to start shooting in January.' The demanding schedule required eight hours of daily training, five days a week, which led to the discovery of a recurring back problem. Despite this challenge, Turner persevered, building muscle and stamina for the physically demanding role.
Stunt Sequences and Costume Details
During the Surrey filming, Turner was observed executing multiple complex stunts:
- Soaring over a lake using a parachute with precision landing
- Running through dense woodland areas
- Utilizing an umbrella for shelter between takes in the persistent rain
Her costume deviated from Lara Croft's traditional hotpants, featuring grey cargo pants paired with a ribbed brown shirt and navy gilet. Turner completed the ensemble with Lara's signature plait hairstyle, fingerless gloves, and holsters for prop firearms, while maintaining safety with a crash helmet during stunt sequences.
From Game of Thrones to Tomb Raider
Despite her extensive experience as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, Turner noted this provided little preparation for Tomb Raider's action demands. 'I was the cool queen who didn't have to do that. I also just kind of was the one that got beat up, not the one doing the beating,' she explained. The transition to performing stunts and combat sequences represented a significant departure from her previous roles.
Creative Team and Production Details
The series benefits from substantial creative leadership, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge serving as creator, writer, and executive producer. Waller-Bridge expressed enthusiasm about Turner's casting, stating, 'I'm so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team.' The production represents one of Prime Video's most ambitious projects to date.
Turner secured the role after reportedly competing against several prominent actresses, including Mackenzie Davis, Emma Mackey, and Lucy Boynton. The series will explore the adventures of archaeologist and explorer Lara Croft, drawing inspiration from the beloved video game franchise.
Current Projects and Future Releases
Simultaneously, Turner appears in the crime series Steal, portraying an office worker entangled in a criminal operation involving pension fund theft. All six episodes premiered on January 21 on Amazon Prime. Her diverse recent projects include the ITV drama Joan, the thriller film Trust, and the upcoming British series The Dreadful.
Reflecting on assuming the Lara Croft mantle, Turner acknowledged both excitement and responsibility: '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.' The series promises to deliver a fresh interpretation of the iconic character while honoring the legacy established by previous portrayals.
