Amazon has recently unveiled plans for a new Tomb Raider TV series, even though the project has encountered significant delays. Initially launched in 1996 on Sega Saturn and PlayStation, the Tomb Raider video game franchise follows the adventures of archaeologist Lara Croft, who utilizes her skills to uncover ancient artifacts and navigate perilous tombs worldwide. This iconic series has generated numerous sequels, establishing Croft as one of the most recognizable figures in gaming history.
Following its gaming success, Tomb Raider quickly transitioned into other media. The first live-action film, featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, was released in 2001 and was followed by a successful sequel in 2003. However, after Jolie stepped away from the role, the film series languished for over ten years. In 2018, a reboot introduced Alicia Vikander as Croft, but plans for a sequel eventually fell through, putting the entire franchise on hold until the announcement of this new TV series, which is set to coexist with Amazon’s rebooted film.
Latest Updates on the Tomb Raider TV Show
Recent Concerns Regarding Development
Recent developments at Amazon MGM have raised concerns about the Tomb Raider series. Following the departure of former Amazon exec Jennifer Salke, reports suggest that Phoebe Waller-Bridge has yet to produce any material during her six-year association with the project. Despite a lack of progress, Salke reportedly extended Waller-Bridge’s contract for an additional three years.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that Tomb Raider has gone through two writers’ rooms with substantial financial expenditures—amounting to tens of millions—without yielding a single screenplay since its pickup in May 2024. This alarming stagnation poses significant challenges for the show’s future prospects.
Still, my favorite Salke move was giving Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the breakout creator of Fleabag, a $20 million-a-year overall deal in 2019. Sure, the TV business is littered with failed overalls, but when Waller-Bridge generated nothing in three years, Salke renewed the deal. Now, three years after that renewal, she still has nothing to show for it. Tomb Raider, which Waller-Bridge has been working on and which Salke was personally overseeing after announcing a series pickup last May, has now gone through two writers’ rooms and tens of millions of dollars in development costs. There’s still no script.
Confirmation of the Tomb Raider TV Show’s Development
A Long Awaited Project
In addition to the series, Amazon is developing a Tomb Raider reboot film that will share the same narrative universe as the show. This ambitious plan not only revives Lara Croft on television but also aims to create an expansive Tomb Raider universe, linking TV and film. Although the connections between the two projects remain vague, this initiative could provide a refreshingly comprehensive experience of the beloved franchise.
Recent reports from March 2025, however, indicate that the series’ development has been stagnant, throwing Amazon’s bold vision into uncertainty. With Jennifer Salke’s exit, new details have surfaced highlighting the questionable management of project developments, as Waller-Bridge has not delivered any content in the past six years, despite the significant resources invested across various writer’s rooms.
On another note, Netflix has recently launched “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft,”an animated series debuting in October 2024, adding layers to the Tomb Raider franchise.
Cast Details for the Tomb Raider TV Show
Casting of Lara Croft
While the full cast remains unconfirmed, Amazon has secured Sophie Turner, known for her impressive role in Game of Thrones, to portray Lara Croft. Bringing a wealth of experience in action and adventure, Turner, who also played Jean Grey in the X-Men franchise, could signal a star-studded ensemble for the new series. Other casting announcements are currently awaited.
Storyline Insights for the Tomb Raider TV Show
Adaptation of the Video Game Narrative?
Details surrounding the plot of the Tomb Raider series are yet to be disclosed, but audiences can anticipate a plethora of action-packed sequences featuring Croft’s signature dual pistols. Fans can expect her to confront threats that exceed the traditional traps of ancient ruins. Moreover, Waller-Bridge’s involvement suggests a clever balance of action and humor within the narrative.
Although there is no confirmation yet, the series may draw upon storylines from the classic video games, which could foster a connection with longtime fans. While earlier games presented simpler plots, recent entries are rich with intriguing mysteries that the series could explore. Even if opting for a fresh narrative, the series stands to gain by integrating elements from its celebrated source material.