Sophie Turner is closing in on the highly coveted role of British archeologist Lara Croft in Amazon MGM Studios and Crystal Dynamics’ adaptation of adventure video game Tomb Raider.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is writing and exec producing the live-action series, which received a series order in the spring and will stream on Amazon’s Prime Video. Turner, best known for playing Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones, is in talks to play the lead role, previously portrayed by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in feature film adaptations of the video game series.
Tests for the role took place in October with several British actresses in the mix, including Turner. Mackenzie Davis (Station Eleven) was the lone American to make the shortlist. Emma Mackey (Sex Education) and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) are also said to have tested for the role, according to sources.
Amazon declined to comment.
Waller-Bridge is executive producing the series with her Wells Street Productions partner Jenny Robbins, Dmitri M. Johnson of dj2 Entertainment, Michael Scheel and Legendary Television. Amazon’s former head of comedy and drama Ryan Andolina and former head of overall deals Amanda Greenblatt are consulting producers via their Star Party banner.
“If I could tell my teenage self this was happening, I think she’d explode,” Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) said when the series was announced in May. “Tomb Raider has been a huge part of my life and I feel incredibly privileged to be bringing it to television with such passionate collaborators. Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.”
Amazon is betting big on Tomb Raider, also developing a film and a video game as part of a big rights deal with Johnson’s dj2 that will attempt to combine various forms and mediums into one connected story. Waller-Bridge is currently only involved with the TV show.
Turner’s post-Game of Thrones roles include Max’s limited series The Staircase, the Netflix film Do Revenge and the ITV/CW miniseries Joan. She’s also starring in Prime Video’s forthcoming thriller Haven. Turner is repped by CAA, Independent Talent and Hansen Jacobson.
Source: Hollywoodreporter
