Camilla Luddington, known for her role as Lara Croft in the acclaimed Tomb Raider video game series, has offered insightful advice to Sophie Turner, who is set to portray the iconic character in an upcoming television adaptation on Prime Video. Luddington’s guidance comes after her extensive experience working on the Tomb Raider franchise from 2013 to 2018, where she brought the adventurous archaeologist to life through both voice work and demanding motion-capture performance.
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In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Luddington, now 42, shared a vital piece of advice that reflects the physically intensive nature of embodying Lara Croft: “Heating pads,” she stated. Drawing on her own rigorous experiences filming the games, she recalled feeling “so sore the next day” following intense stunts. Luddington suggested that Turner, who is 30 years old, likely has her own collection of heating pads at the ready to manage the physical challenges of her role.
Sophie Turner was cast in September 2025 to lead the series, which began filming in January 2026. However, in March, an announcement from Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that Turner had suffered a minor injury, prompting a temporary halt in production to ensure her recovery. The studio expressed eagerness to resume filming once she was fit to return, highlighting the commitment to both Turner’s health and the quality of the forthcoming series.
The anticipation surrounding Turner’s portrayal of Lara Croft is palpable. The character, notable for her resilience and intelligence, has previously been brought to life on the big screen by stars Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in films released in 2001, 2003, and 2018, respectively. Turner herself acknowledged the significance of stepping into such well-trodden shoes, expressing her determination to deliver a performance worthy of both Croft and those who have embodied her before. “She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I’ve got,” Turner remarked, showcasing her enthusiasm for the role.
The Dark Phoenix actress expressed confidence in the creative team behind the adaptation. “With Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands,” she added, referring to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the series’ creator and writer. Turner’s excitement builds anticipation for what promises to be a fresh yet faithful reimagining of Croft’s adventures.
In addition to her encouraging words for Turner, Luddington has expressed a desire to return to the franchise in a different capacity. When questioned about the possibility of making a guest appearance in the upcoming series, she responded enthusiastically about the idea of portraying a villain. “Oh, my God, that would be so fun. They have not approached me. Sophie looks great. I’ve seen the pictures. Very exciting,” she mentioned, showing her support for her successor while also expressing a creative interest in exploring darker roles.
Luddington, who has successfully transitioned her career into various roles since playing Lara Croft, indicated her readiness for a new challenge. “I would love to be like a baddie. That’d be fun to be a villain, right?” she added, reaffirming that there is still much she wishes to explore within the Tomb Raider universe.
As the Tomb Raider television series continues to develop, both Luddington and Turner’s contributions remind fans of the character’s enduring legacy. The show, expected to draw on both the character’s rich video game history and cinematic past, promises to offer fresh narratives and character dynamics that resonate with long-time fans while also attracting new audiences.
As of now, an official release date for Prime Video’s Tomb Raider series has yet to be announced, but the combination of Turner’s unfoldng journey and Luddington’s legacy leaves much for fans to look forward to. With such strong talent at both the helm and the forefront, the series may not only appeal to a new generation of viewers but also honour the history of one of gaming’s most beloved characters.