Original Tomb Raider Made Angelina Jolie Go Through the Same Sh*t Sophie Turner is Facing Amid Casting Rumor

The recent resurgence in live-action video game adaptations has seen studios trying to recreate the success of beloved titles on television. Tomb Raider is one of the most iconic video game franchises in history, and it has long bridged the gap between these two industries, finding success in both. So, it was only a matter of time before another series would be made about it.

This time, Amazon Prime Video has taken on the task of creating the series, with Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner rumored to play the titular role of Lara Croft. As more details about the show emerge, it’s hard to ignore the parallels to what happened when Angelina Jolie was cast as Lara Croft in the original 2001 film: the conversation centered on the physical appearance of the actress.

Turner Facing the Same Issue Angelina Jolie Faced With Tomb Raider Adaptation

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the iconic adventurer was a defining moment in the early 2000s, and for many, she is still the face of Lara Croft. Her rebellious, independent spirit nature was similar to the character. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the casting came with intense scrutiny, particularly about Jolie’s appearance.

For those who don’t know, Lara Croft, in the video game, is known not only for her intelligence, bravery, and athleticism but for her almost exaggerated body proportions, particularly her bust size. So, when the film adaptation was announced, the conversation immediately turned to whether Jolie would match the character’s physical look. As per E! News, Jolie said:

I’ll make it real simple. I’m a 36-C. In the game, she’s a DD. In the movie, she’s a D. We split the difference.

Even though the film was a success as it grossed over $131 million domestically and pushed Jolie to superstardom, it also set a precedent for how much the fans care about the character’s body, rather than her brains or bravery. Fast forward to 2024, and the same trend is re-emerging as the Tomb Raider TV series was announced by Amazon Prime Video.

Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, is almost confirmed to be cast as Lara Croft. The series is being written and executive produced by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. However, rather than looking forward and getting excited about a fresh new take on the character, the buzz is focused on whether will Turner’s body matches the video game’s version of Lara Croft.

Could Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Vision Change the Narrative?

The scrutiny of Lara Croft’s actresses is far from a new phenomenon. The very first Tomb Raider video game defined the protagonist with exaggerated proportions, setting the precedent of how she should look (even in adaptations). However, this is where the new Prime Video series, co-executive produced by Waller-Bridge, could make a significant difference.

As the creator of Fleabag, Waller-Bridge has built a reputation for creating complex, multi-dimensional female characters who defy categorization. She can bring that same depth to the character of Lara Croft by showing a new version of Croft that is less defined by her body and more by her intellect, courage, and emotional growth.

The hope is that this adaptation will focus on Croft as a woman who has more to offer than just her physical appearance. So, as Sophie Turner potentially steps into Croft’s boots, she has the perfect opportunity to shift the narrative.

Turner has already proven her acting capabilities, especially through her portrayal of Sansa Stark, so she can help fans focus on what truly makes Lara Croft an enduring, empowering character.

In the end, it’s not about the bra size or the body type, Lara Croft should be defined by her bravery and complexity. If the industry is serious about empowering women, it’s time to show that true strength lies in a character’s mind, heart, and spirit, rather than her measurements.