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Amazon just dropped a shock that will reverberate across gaming and streaming: the live-action Tomb Raider series will begin principal photography on Jan 19, 2026, and Sophie Turner is confirmed as Lara Croft. That’s a concrete timeline and a marquee casting that change expectations for the franchise’s tone and reach. Phoebe Waller‑Bridge and new co‑showrunner Chad Hodge are attached, signaling a blend of wit and scale. Opinion? This looks less like a tired reboot and more like a prestige gamble — will it honor Lara’s legacy or rewrite it for a new audience?
What Sophie Turner Casting And Jan 19, 2026 Start Mean For Fans
Need To Know
- Amazon MGM Confirmed Filming Starts Jan 19, 2026 At Prime Video.
- Sophie Turner Will Star As Lara Croft, Per Studio Announcement.
- Phoebe Waller‑Bridge Will Serve As Creator/Writer/Executive Producer.
- Chad Hodge Joins As Executive Producer And Co‑Showrunner.
- Series Was Originally Greenlit At Prime Video In May 2024.
Why The Jan 19, 2026 Filming Date Changes Tomb Raider’s Future Today
The production start date turns rumor into action: a concrete schedule means casting, locations, and marketing plans will accelerate this autumn. For fans, that date signals a likely release window in late 2026 or 2027, and for the industry it means Amazon is prioritizing blockbuster game-to-TV adaptations. With Waller‑Bridge attached creatively and Hodge co‑running, expect a tonal reset — sharper dialogue, character focus, and franchise-building intent. If you loved the games, this is the moment to ask: will the show respect Lara’s roots or pivot her into a modern streaming heroine?
How Phoebe Waller‑Bridge And Sophie Turner Reacted To The Jan 19, 2026 Announcement
Voices And Reactions
- “I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara…” — Phoebe Waller‑Bridge.
- “I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft… I am giving everything I’ve got.” — Sophie Turner.
- Vernon Sanders: Studio Says Series Will “Honor The Beloved ‘Tomb Raider’ Legacy” While Delivering Fresh Adventures.
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These are not boilerplate lines — they frame the show as reverent and ambitious. Waller‑Bridge’s wording (“formidable,” “wildly passionate”) hints at a cheeky, character‑driven reinvention rather than a pure action spectacle. Turner’s pledge to “give everything I’ve got” raises expectation and invites comparison to past film portrayals — a clear invitation for heated fan debate.
What The Production Timeline Reveals About Franchise Ambition By 2026
The timeline — greenlit May 2024, filming Jan 19, 2026 — shows a deliberate, multi‑year development cycle. That gap suggests heavy preproduction: scripts, stunts, VFX planning, and possibly location scouting for large set pieces. It also signals Amazon’s willingness to invest time and money, which often correlates with larger marketing spends and global rollouts. In short: this isn’t a quick cash-in, it’s a planned franchise play.
3 Key Numbers That Could Make Or Break Tomb Raider By Jan 2026
KPI Value + Unit Change/Impact Filming Start Jan 19, 2026 Commits production schedule, speeds up release planning Greenlight Date May 2024 Two‑year prep suggests high production ambition Prior Film Portrayals 3 Films Comparisons Likely (Jolie, Vikander, earlier franchise)
Three core dates and counts show Amazon’s long game: serious preproduction, a firm start date, and an uphill PR battle versus prior film portrayals.
What Sophie Turner And This Filming Date Mean For Fans And The Franchise In 2026
This casting plus a fixed Jan 19, 2026 production launch make Tomb Raider a headline franchise for Amazon. Expect fan scrutiny, legacy comparisons, and early marketing tests this winter. Will Turner’s Lara become the definitive streaming-era Croft, or will fans demand a different vision? Pick a side and get ready to amplify the debate — what version of Lara Do You Want To Watch In 2026?
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/tomb-raider-live-action-series-filming-2026-sophie-turner-1236506192/
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.