Shock and spectacle: Sophie Turner is officially Lara Croft and Prime Video has set Jan. 19 as the production start, a surprise end to months of delays and rewrites. Deadline reports Chad Hodge joins Phoebe Waller‑Bridge as co‑showrunner, and the show moves from development limbo into production. That combination — a high‑profile lead plus new creative leadership — raises stakes for fans and Amazon’s franchise bets. My take: this is a risk that could refresh the property or re-ignite comparisons with past film stars; will Turner survive the Lara spotlight?
What Sophie Turner’s Lara Casting And Jan. 19 Start Mean For Fans
- Sophie Turner Confirmed As Lara Croft — production set to begin Jan. 19.
- Chad Hodge Joins As Co‑Showrunner — creative leadership reshuffle accelerates production.
- Phoebe Waller‑Bridge Remains Creator/EP — project keeps its original creative anchor.
- Series Moves To Production After 3 Years Of Development Delays, per Deadline.
- Next Step: Cameras Roll Jan. 19 — will this casting settle longtime fan debate?
Why The Jan. 19 Production Date Changes Tomb Raider’s Timeline
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This is not just casting gossip — a confirmed production date turns speculation into momentum. After three years of fits and starts, Amazon and Story Kitchen moving to cameras means scripts, stunts and a full crew must be locked fast. For viewers, that means marketing, trailers and release windows now have a real anchor: production schedules compress the timeline to when you’ll actually see Lara again. If you loved the games or past films, will this new version feel faithful — or start a debate about legacy and reinvention?
Why Reactions Are Splitting Over Sophie Turner’s Lara Croft Casting
Fans and pundits reacted fast on X: some praised Turner’s acting pedigree, others questioned physical fit for the iconic role. Deadline published Waller‑Bridge’s celebratory quote — “Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…” — and Turner’s vow: “I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft… I am giving everything I’ve got.” Those lines signal confidence, but also invite immediate comparison to previous Lara portrayals. Which side will win — nostalgic outrage or fresh enthusiasm — and how will Amazon manage the reaction wave?
Sophie Turner set to star as Lara Croft in upcoming Tomb Raider series from Amazon MGM Studios.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner.
Jonathan Van Tulleken set as director and executive producer and Chad Hodge joins as… pic.twitter.com/m7aaaZH9Sk
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) September 3, 2025
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'Tomb Raider': Sophie Turner Set As Lara Croft; Chad Hodge Joins Phoebe Waller-Bridge As Co-Showrunner; Amazon Series Heads To Production https://t.co/rOmd8wJvql
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 3, 2025
What The Delays And New Creatives Reveal About Amazon’s Franchise Strategy
This hire pattern — reboots with celebrated TV creators plus a new showrunner — looks like Amazon doubling down on prestige TV muscle plus franchise IP. Bringing Chad Hodge in as co‑showrunner after multiple writers’ rooms suggests Amazon chose stability and TV veterans to accelerate delivery. For the streamer, that’s a deliberate tactical shift: turn a stalled, high‑value IP into a serialized tentpole with known TV leadership, and hope the payoff is long‑term subscriptions and merchandise opportunities. Are you ready for a Tomb Raider series that aims to be both TV prestige and big‑budget adventure?
3 Numbers That Explain Why Tomb Raider’s Jan. 19 Move Matters
| Indicator | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Development Delay | 3 Years | Project Finally Moving To Production |
| Production Start Date | Jan. 19 | Cameras Scheduled; Marketing Clock Starts |
| Previous Big‑Screen Leads | 2 Actresses | Comparisons With Past Films Inevitable |
What This New Tomb Raider Team Means For Fans And The Franchise In 2025–26
Sophie Turner plus Phoebe Waller‑Bridge and Chad Hodge is a cocktail of visibility, TV credibility, and showrunner experience — that combination can either elevate the property or magnify backlash. For fans, the immediate question is simple: will the series honor Lara’s core traits while delivering new stories? For Amazon, it’s a bet on turning long‑troubled development into a 2026 audience win. Expect comparisons, memes, and heated reaction threads once trailers drop — will you tune in to judge the first episode?
Sources
- https://deadline.com/2025/09/tomb-raider-sophie-turner-lara-croft-chad-hodge-phoebe-waller-bridge-1236505398/
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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.