Sophie Turner has revealed she discovered a persistent back problem during the intense physical training for her upcoming role as video game icon Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider television series.
Eight-Hour Daily Regime Uncovers Injury
Speaking on The Julia Cunningham Show, the 29-year-old actress detailed the gruelling schedule she has followed since February 2025 to prepare for the part. Turner disclosed that her training involves eight hours a day, five days a week, a regime she admitted has been "a lot." It was during this demanding process that she identified a recurring issue with her back.
"I've learned I have a perpetual back problem," Turner stated. She also confessed that her lack of prior fitness experience made building muscle more challenging, noting it took "months and months and months to get into good shape."
From Westeros to the Wild: A New Type of Action
Despite her fame as Sansa Stark in HBO's global phenomenon Game of Thrones, Turner insisted her years on that show did little to prepare her for the physical demands of playing Lara Croft. She explained that her character was often on the receiving end of violence rather than dishing it out.
"No, I was the cool queen who, like, didn't have to do that," she said. "I also just kind of was the one that got beat up, not the one doing the beating. So, it's quite nice to learn how to throw a punch and not just take it."
Becoming the Next Lara Croft
Turner, mother to daughters Willa and Delphine, is the latest actress to step into the adventurer's boots, following Angelina Jolie's two films and Alicia Vikander's 2018 movie. The series, currently in production, adapts the classic video game franchise.
Amazon MGM Studios recently released a first-look photo of Turner in character, showcasing Lara's signature look of black shorts, a green tank top, aviator sunglasses, and a braided ponytail. The studio's Instagram caption teased: "Get your artefacts out. Lara's on her way."
In a previous interview with ScreenRant, Turner confirmed shooting begins in January 2026, marking nearly a year of preparation. She expressed excitement about the project and her collaboration with Amazon, promising something "special."
Following her work on Tomb Raider, Turner will next star in the drama Steal, playing an office worker entangled in a major criminal operation. All six episodes premiere on Amazon Prime on January 21.
