Production on Prime Video's highly anticipated "Tomb Raider" series has been paused while lead Sophie Turner recovers from an injury sustained on set. The "Game of Thrones" star, who is set to play video game icon Lara Croft, aggravated a pre-existing back condition during filming.
A representative for Prime Video confirmed the pause to Variety, describing the injury as minor but noting that production has been halted as a precaution. The series began shooting in January and was in the midst of filming when the incident occurred.
"Sophie Turner recently experienced a minor injury. As a precaution, production has briefly paused to allow her time to recover. We look forward to resuming production as soon as possible." — Prime Video spokesperson
Extent of the Delay
According to British tabloid The Sun, which first reported Turner's injury, the actress aggravated a pre-existing back injury on set. The publication suggested the production could be paused for at least a month and potentially up to six months, though Prime Video has not confirmed the duration of the delay.
The series, which was shooting in various locations, is now on hold while Turner receives medical attention and recovers. A release date has not yet been confirmed for the series, which is expected to drop in 2027. It remains unclear whether the production delay will impact that timeline.
The pause comes approximately three months into filming, suggesting significant footage has already been captured. Production crews typically build in some flexibility for unforeseen circumstances, but an extended delay could affect scheduling for the cast and crew.
Turner's Role as Lara Croft
Turner was cast as Lara Croft in the Prime Video adaptation, taking on the iconic role previously portrayed by Angelina Jolie in the 2001 film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and its 2003 sequel, and by Alicia Vikander in the 2018 "Tomb Raider" reboot.
The casting was seen as a major get for Prime Video, with Turner bringing significant fan recognition from her eight-season run as Sansa Stark on HBO's "Game of Thrones." The series represents one of her highest-profile projects since the conclusion of that landmark show.
The role also demands significant physical performance. Lara Croft is known for action sequences, stunts, and physical endurance—elements that likely contributed to the aggravation of Turner's pre-existing back condition.
The Creative Team and Cast
The "Tomb Raider" series is being written and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator of the acclaimed "Fleabag." Waller-Bridge's involvement generated significant excitement for the project, given her reputation for sharp writing and strong female characters.
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast alongside Turner. Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, and Celia Imrie are among the featured performers. The full cast includes Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, and August Wittgenstein.
Weaver, an icon of action cinema through her work in the "Alien" franchise, brings significant genre credibility to the production. Isaacs, known for his roles in "The Patriot," "Harry Potter," and "Star Trek: Discovery," adds further dramatic weight.
High Expectations Following Fallout Success
Prime Video's adaptation of "Tomb Raider" arrives with high expectations, following the streaming service's successful adaptation of another major video game property. "Fallout," starring Ella Purnell and Kyle MacLachlan, premiered to strong reviews and audience reception, returning for a second season earlier this year.
The success of "Fallout" demonstrated that Prime Video could effectively translate video game IP into compelling television, raising hopes that "Tomb Raider" could follow a similar trajectory. Both series share elements of action-adventure storytelling with built-in fan bases.
For the "Tomb Raider" franchise specifically, a successful television adaptation could revitalize interest in a property that has seen mixed results on film. While Jolie's films were commercially successful, the 2018 Vikander reboot underperformed, leaving room for a fresh take.
The Tomb Raider Franchise
"Tomb Raider" was first released as a video game in 1996 and became one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in gaming history. The series follows archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft as she explores ancient tombs, solves puzzles, and battles enemies around the world.
The property has seen numerous revivals and iterations over its nearly 30-year history. Two new games are currently in development: "Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis" and "Tomb Raider: Catalyst," scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
The gaming rights are owned by Swedish company Embracer, which acquired the franchise's longtime developer Crystal Dynamics in 2022. Embracer also purchased "Lord of the Rings" owner Middle-Earth Enterprises the same year, positioning itself as a major player in entertainment IP.
Production Pause in Context
Production pauses due to lead actor injuries are not uncommon in film and television, though they can create significant logistical challenges. Scheduling conflicts with other cast members, location availability, and crew commitments all become factors when production stops unexpectedly.
Turner's injury involves a pre-existing back condition, which suggests recovery could be less predictable than a fresh injury. Back injuries in particular require careful rehabilitation to prevent recurrence, especially for roles demanding physical action sequences.
The production team will likely use the pause to assess remaining shooting schedules, potentially rework action sequences to accommodate Turner's recovery, and coordinate with the cast on availability once filming resumes.
What This Means for the 2027 Release
Prime Video has not confirmed a release date for the "Tomb Raider" series, though it was expected to debut in 2027. The production delay could potentially impact that timeline, depending on the length of the pause and whether post-production schedules can be adjusted.
If the delay extends to the longer end of reported estimates, the series could face a later 2027 release or potentially slip into 2028. However, streaming services often build flexibility into their content calendars, and the "brief pause" characterization suggests Prime Video expects to resume filming relatively soon.
The project remains a priority for the streamer given the investment in talent—both in front of and behind the camera—and the value of the IP. Waller-Bridge's involvement alone signals significant commitment to the series' quality.
Looking Ahead
For now, production on "Tomb Raider" remains paused while Turner recovers. The actress has not publicly commented on the injury, and representatives have not provided additional details about her condition or expected recovery timeline.
Fans of the franchise will be watching closely for updates on when filming will resume and whether the series remains on track for its anticipated release. The "Fallout" precedent has raised expectations, and the combination of Waller-Bridge's writing and Turner's star power suggests "Tomb Raider" could become one of Prime Video's signature series.
For Turner, the pause offers time to recover fully before returning to the physically demanding role. Back injuries require careful management, and the production's decision to pause rather than work around her suggests a commitment to her health and the quality of the final product.
