Sophie Turner’s Lara Croft Ditches the Sex Symbol Image
Sophie Turner’s take on Lara Croft in Amazon’s Tomb Raider series promises a fresh perspective, focusing on the character’s skills and story rather than her looks. Find out what’s changing.
Sophie Turner is set to bring a new flavour to the legendary adventurer in Amazon’s upcoming Tomb Raider series, steering clear of the character’s long-standing reputation as a sex symbol. Instead, Turner is keen to highlight Lara Croft’s depth, drive, and capability, shifting the spotlight from her appearance to her story and strengths.
In a recent chat with the L.A. Times, Turner made it clear that her version of the iconic explorer won’t be about turning heads for the sake of it.
“It’s about her and her story and what drives her, rather than what so many people also love about her, which is how hot she is in the games and the movies,”
she explained. The focus, she says, is on what makes Lara tick, not just how she looks in a pair of shorts.
Reimagining an Icon
Turner’s approach, guided by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, aims to show a side of Lara Croft that’s rarely been front and centre.
“I really want to show the other side,”
Turner said.
“She’s so unashamedly capable. She is not a woman who hides her strengths at all.”
This take is a far cry from the early days of Tomb Raider, when Lara’s image was all about her curves and confidence, both in the original games and the first films.
Interestingly, the first sneak peek at Turner’s Croft still nods to the character’s roots, with the signature red sunglasses making a comeback. These shades, a staple from Tomb Raider 3 and countless magazine covers, are a subtle throwback for long-time fans. But the focus has shifted. Since Angelina Jolie’s portrayal, the franchise has moved away from the overtly sexualised image, with more recent games and stories digging into Lara’s adventures and personal challenges.
Support from the Tomb Raider Community
Turner’s fresh take hasn’t gone unnoticed by those close to the franchise. Alix Wilton Regan, who voices Lara in the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and the future Tomb Raider: Catalyst, gave her stamp of approval on social media. She wrote,
“Lara looking mighty fine / fire / fierce these days. @sophieturner - I AM HERE FOR IT.”
With the series still waiting on an official release date, anticipation is building among fans and newcomers alike. The promise of a more layered, capable Lara Croft is set to shake up expectations and bring something new to the much-loved character.
For those keen to see what’s next, there’s plenty to look forward to on Prime Video, with a growing list of game-inspired films and series on the horizon.