Production on the highly anticipated Tomb Raider series for Amazon Prime Video has temporarily halted after star Sophie Turner sustained a minor injury, the studio confirmed. The series, based on the popular video game franchise, began filming in the U.K. Earlier this year, with a first-look image of Turner as Lara Croft released on January 15. The pause is a precautionary measure to allow the actress time to recover, and the studio anticipates resuming work within two weeks.
The news, first reported by Deadline, comes as excitement builds for the adaptation, spearheaded by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The Tomb Raider project represents a significant investment for Amazon MGM Studios and Crystal Dynamics, aiming to bring the iconic adventurer to a novel audience through a serialized format. The series is expected to delve deeper into the character of Lara Croft than previous film adaptations, exploring her origins and motivations.
A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, leads a cast that also 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 ensemble suggests a complex and layered narrative, potentially drawing from various eras and storylines within the Tomb Raider universe. The video game franchise, which began in 1996, has sold over 88 million copies worldwide, establishing Lara Croft as a cultural icon.
Waller-Bridge’s involvement is particularly noteworthy. Her critically acclaimed work on Fleabag and Killing Eve demonstrates a talent for crafting compelling female characters and narratives with a distinctive blend of wit, action, and emotional depth. She serves as creator, writer, and executive producer, co-showrunning alongside Chad Hodge. Jonathan Van Tulleken is directing and also executive producing. The production team also includes Jenny Robins (Wells Street Films), Dmitri M. Johnson, Michael Lawrence Goldberg, and Timothy I. Stevenson (Story Kitchen), Michael Scheel, and Legendary Television.
Production Details and Crew Compensation
While the nature of Turner’s injury remains undisclosed, Amazon MGM Studios has assured the crew that they will continue to be paid during the two-week production pause. This decision underscores the studio’s commitment to its workforce and aims to minimize disruption during the temporary shutdown. Filming had been taking place primarily in the United Kingdom, leveraging the country’s established infrastructure for large-scale productions and its diverse landscapes, which can effectively stand in for the exotic locales frequently visited by Lara Croft.
The Tomb Raider series is intended for streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video platform, a key component of the company’s strategy to attract and retain subscribers. Amazon has been increasingly investing in high-profile original content, including adaptations of popular intellectual property, to compete with other streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+. The success of the Tomb Raider series could significantly bolster Prime Video’s subscriber base and solidify its position in the competitive streaming landscape.
The Legacy of Lara Croft
The character of Lara Croft has undergone several iterations across video games, films, and now, television. The original Tomb Raider game revolutionized the action-adventure genre, introducing a strong, independent female protagonist at a time when such characters were relatively rare in mainstream gaming. Angelina Jolie famously portrayed Lara Croft in two films released in 2001 and 2003, bringing the character to a wider audience. Alicia Vikander took on the role in a 2018 reboot, offering a more grounded and emotionally resonant portrayal.
This new series aims to build upon the legacy of Lara Croft, offering a fresh perspective on her adventures. Waller-Bridge’s creative vision suggests a focus on character development and complex storytelling, potentially exploring the psychological motivations behind Lara Croft’s relentless pursuit of adventure and discovery. The series is expected to appeal to both longtime fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
As production pauses, all eyes are on Turner’s recovery and the anticipated resumption of filming. Amazon MGM Studios has not yet announced a revised premiere date for the Tomb Raider series, but will likely provide updates as they become available. Fans can find official information and updates on Amazon Prime Video’s social media channels and website.
What do you suppose of the casting choices for the Tomb Raider series? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow fans!
