Prime Video has embarked on a new journey to find their Lara Croft, as a shortlist of potential leading stars has been unveiled for the live-action live-action Tomb Raider series will be written and produced by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Deadline reports a shortlist has been assembled for Prime Video's Tomb Raider series. Potential options for stars to portray Croft include Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner and Bohemian Rhapsody's Lucy Boynton. Both actors are expected to test for the part in the near future. While other names on the list have included Deadpool and Wolverine's Emma Corrin and Speak No Evil's Mackenzie Davis, neither actor is assumed to be testing for the role. Amazon MGM Studios declined comment.

What Prime Video's Tomb Raider Casting Update Means For Production

Amazon's Plans Extend Beyond A TV Series

Amazon MGM Studios' production will mark the third time that the Tomb Raider franchise has been brought into the realm of live-action. Angelina Jolie played Lara Croft for two films in 2001 and 2003 that primarily took inspiration from earlier games, while 2018's Tomb Raider reboot starring Alicia Vikander took inspiration from the 2013 video game's rebooted continuity. The show, however, doesn't have a clear source material, as it is believed that it will be part of an interconnected multi-media franchise alongside the new game.

As such, whoever secures the role of Lara may have the responsibility of playing her across various forms of media, thus also including voice acting. However, with the search for the series' lead still underway, it is unlikely that any moves into the next stage of production will happen in the near future, and potentially not until early 2025.

Our Take On Prime Video's Lara Croft Shortlist

The Franchise Has Recently Been Revitalized

Currently, the franchise is experiencing a small renaissance following the success of Netflix's Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft and the recent announcement of the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection. Because of all this, the surprise update for Waller-Bridge's and Prime Video's live-action series has come at a perfect time.

Furthermore, Turner has recently been celebrated for her role in the crime drama Joan, while Boynton had a brief role in 2023's Barbie. Their talent and experience with diverse roles makes them compelling candidates for the part of Lara. With them leading the shortlist, it is clear that work on casting is progressing smoothly, and an announcement revealing the next Tomb Raider could come by the end of 2024.

Source: Deadline