Sophie Turner, the actress cast as Lara Croft in the forthcoming 'Tomb Raider' television series, has recently disclosed a chronic health issue that came to light during her extensive preparation for the role. The intensive physical regimen, which began almost a year ago, involved daily training sessions five days a week. This demanding schedule, while physically transformative, also revealed an underlying back problem the star was previously unaware of. Her candid remarks shed light on the rigorous demands of embodying such an iconic character and the unexpected personal discoveries that can accompany professional commitments.
During her appearance on 'The Julia Cunningham Show,' the 29-year-old actress elaborated on the demanding training schedule. She explained that she had been engaging in eight-hour training sessions, five days a week, since February of the previous year. This consistent and intense physical activity, while aimed at building the necessary physique for the action-oriented role, inadvertently highlighted a persistent back issue. She noted that despite this setback, the process allowed her to develop muscle strength more easily than someone with prior workout experience, as she had never engaged in such rigorous training before.
The revelation might come as a surprise to many, especially considering Turner's prominent role as Sansa Stark in HBO's acclaimed fantasy series 'Game of Thrones.' However, Turner clarified that her character in 'Game of Thrones' was seldom involved in high-intensity combat or elaborate stunt sequences. She humorously pointed out that her previous roles often involved her character being subjected to physical hardship rather than actively engaging in it. This new role as Lara Croft, therefore, marks a significant departure, requiring her to master offensive combat skills rather than just enduring them.
The upcoming 'Tomb Raider' TV series, penned by 'Fleabag' writer-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, promises to delve into the adventurous world of Lara Croft. Given the video game franchise's history, audiences can expect Turner's portrayal to involve a wide array of combat and exploration. Since its inception in 1996, 'Tomb Raider' has featured Lara Croft battling various adversaries, from human antagonists to mythical beings, across numerous game titles.
Recently, Amazon MGM provided a glimpse of Turner in character as Croft. Waller-Bridge's adaptation appears to draw heavily from the original video games, contrasting with the more recent, gritty depictions of Croft in contemporary console versions. Turner's costume pays homage to the classic Croft aesthetic, featuring her distinctive red sunglasses, dual pistol holsters, short shorts, a teal tank top, and a leather backpack—all iconic elements from the initial 'Tomb Raider' games.
The specific plot details for Turner's rendition of Croft, a character recently recognized as the most iconic video game character of all time in a 2024 BAFTA poll, remain largely under wraps. However, a recent cast announcement from Prime Video offered some intriguing clues. Sigourney Weaver is slated to play Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious and influential figure keen on utilizing Lara's unique talents. The series will also reintroduce other beloved characters from the games, including Winston, Croft's flatulent butler, Atlas DeMornay, her uncle, and Zip, her tech-savvy companion. This iteration marks the third major live-action portrayal of Lara Croft in 25 years, following Angelina Jolie's performances in the early 2000s films and Alicia Vikander's turn in the 2018 movie.