In what’s shaping up to be one of fall’s most competitive TV casting hunts, Amazon MGM Studios has assembled a wishlist of talented young actors to play Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, the highly anticipated Prime Video series adaptation of the iconic video game franchise, developed by Emmy-winning Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) are set to audition for the role, which has previously been brought to life on the big screen by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.
While it remains unclear who else might test for the iconic character, the casting process has been kept under tight wraps.
Some other names reportedly on the wishlist include Emma Corrin and Mackenzie Davis, though they are not expected to test. Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment.
The combination of one of pop culture’s most recognizable action heroines and Waller-Bridge, a top female TV creator, has made the role of Lara Croft a highly coveted opportunity for actors in their late 20s and 30s.
Head of Amazon MGM Studios Jennifer Salke described Tomb Raider as an “epic” and “globe-trotting” adventure when announcing the series order in May.
Waller-Bridge, who has expressed a strong personal connection to the character, referred to the series as a passion project, saying, “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.”
Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robins executive produce through Wells Street Productions, alongside Dmitri M. Johnson of dj2 Entertainment, Michael Scheel, and rights holders Legendary Television and Crystal Dynamics.
Consulting producers include Greenblatt and Andolina under their Star Party banner. The series is produced by Crystal Dynamics and Amazon MGM Studios.
Sophie Turner, who was Emmy-nominated for her breakout role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, is currently starring in the British crime drama Joan and will next appear in Haven, another British series for Prime Video, where Tomb Raider will also stream.
Lucy Boynton, known for Bohemian Rhapsody and Murder on the Orient Express, recently headlined Searchlight’s The Greatest Hits and will play the lead in the upcoming British historical miniseries A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.
