Sophie Turner Opens Up About Her Training for the Tomb Raider TV Series

Sophie Turner is set to take on the role of Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider TV series on Prime Video, and she recently shared insights about her preparation for the role. During an appearance on SiriusXM, Turner revealed that she has yet to meet Angelina Jolie, who portrayed Croft in the early 2000s films. “No. Never. I would love to meet her,” she expressed.

To prepare for her portrayal, Turner is diving into the video games and comics but is intentionally steering clear of Jolie’s films. “I don’t want to imitate. I’ve got to create my own thing. So as much as I love those movies, I can’t watch them right now,” she explained.

On the physical side of her preparation, Turner disclosed that she has been training rigorously—eight hours a day, five days a week—since February 2025. “So it’s been a lot,” she noted, although she didn’t go into specifics about her workout routine. She did mention, however, that she’s discovered she has a “perpetual back problem” during her training. Turner also acknowledged that building muscle is easier for those with a fitness background, which she lacks, making her journey to get into shape a lengthy process.

Reflecting on her time in Game of Thrones as Sansa Stark, where she often found herself on the receiving end of violence, Turner is excited about the shift in her new role. “It’s quite nice to learn how to throw a punch and not just take it,” she said.

Filming for the Tomb Raider series is set to kick off this month, though details about its release date and storyline remain under wraps, aside from the premise of a woman raiding tombs. The series is being crafted by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. In addition to Turner as Croft, the cast includes Jason Isaacs as Lara’s uncle Atlas, Sigourney Weaver as Evelyn Wallis, and Bill Baterson as Winston.

In related news, the 2018 Tomb Raider film featuring Alicia Vikander is seeing impressive viewership on Netflix. Additionally, at The Game Awards in December 2025, it was announced that two new Tomb Raider games are in the works: a remake of the 1996 classic titled Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, set for release in 2026, and a new title called Tomb Raider: Catalyst, expected in 2027. Alix Wilton Regan will take over the role of Lara Croft in these upcoming games, succeeding Camilla Luddington.