Overview of the Tomb Raider Project’s Uncertain Future
- Sophie Turner was poised to portray Lara Croft in Amazon’s adaptation of Tomb Raider, but the project is rumored to be shelved.
- Almost two years have passed since the announcement of the series, with little to no progress reported.
- Fans may feel let down, as a TV adaptation could potentially explore narratives more deeply than films.
The anticipation surrounding Sophie Turner stepping into the role of Lara Croft for Amazon’s latest Tomb Raider adaptation has been dampened by reports suggesting that the project may be canceled. This action-adventure franchise, known for its captivating storylines and thrilling gameplay, features the iconic character of Lara Croft, who has been interpreted by notable actresses including Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. The franchise first graced the big screen with Jolie’s movies in the early 2000s, while Vikander’s representation in the 2018 reboot aimed to modernize the series.
In January 2023, Amazon MGM Studios announced an ambitious plan to develop a Tomb Raider television series, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the lead writer and executive producer, bringing an exciting fresh perspective to the character. Nevertheless, reports now indicate that this promising venture may not come to fruition.
Nearly two years have elapsed since the announcement without any significant updates on production. According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, the project is considered “dead.”While an executive from Amazon Prime Video previously indicated that filming would commence early this year, and Turner was rumored to be on board, her commitments to other projects and the absence of concrete updates cast doubt on the series’ future. Furthermore, Jennifer Salke, who played a pivotal role in greenlighting the Tomb Raider adaptation, has left Amazon Studios, raising additional concerns about the project’s continuity.
Amazon’s Vision for a Tomb Raider Cinematic Universe in Jeopardy



Upon the project’s initial announcement, the potential of a connected Tomb Raider universe, mirroring the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was on the table. Amazon collaborated with Dmitri M. Johnson’s dj2 Entertainment to secure the rights, planning not only a television series but also new video game developments. Such ambitions underscored Amazon’s commitment to expanding the Tomb Raider franchise further than anyone had anticipated, possibly marking it as a significant priority following their endeavors with The Lord of the Rings.
However, the current reports suggest that Amazon’s strategy regarding the Tomb Raider franchise may be undergoing significant changes. Although some fans have eagerly awaited a revitalization of Lara Croft’s story, they could be left disappointed if the cancellation rumors are confirmed. A live-action series would provide ample opportunity to delve into Lara Croft’s adventures more thoroughly than the constrained runtime of feature films allows.
Unfortunately, the ongoing trend of streaming platforms trimming projects due to budgetary realities and changing priorities lends credence to the speculation surrounding Tomb Raider’s fate. Regardless of the outcome for the anticipated TV series, Lara Croft remains a beloved pop culture icon whose legacy is likely to endure in future adaptations, regardless of format.
Source: Daily Mail