After the hit adaptations of The Last of Us on HBO and Fallout on Prime Video, another iconic video game is making its way to the small screen. Tomb Raider is set to become a live-action series, with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge leading the project. Bringing the legendary adventurer Lara Croft to life, Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner will take on the role of the daring treasure hunter in this highly anticipated Prime Video series.
The Tomb Raider franchise first captured the attention of Sony PlayStation gamers with its 1996 release. While this isn’t its first adaptation—many fans remember Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft in the early 2000s films—this marks the debut of a live-action series within the franchise.
Adding to the excitement, Netflix is currently working on a second season of its animated show, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. With multiple Tomb Raider projects in development, aspiring actors now have even more chances to step into this adventurous world.
Whether you’re aiming for a role in Netflix’s animated series or Prime Video’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation, we’ve got you covered. While we can’t train you to uncover lost relics or break ancient curses, our guide will provide all the essential details you need to land a role in a Tomb Raider production.
What is the plot of “Tomb Raider”?
The Tomb Raider video game series centers around Lara Croft, a fearless British archaeologist who embarks on thrilling adventures to uncover ancient relics hidden within treacherous ruins and, of course, tombs. The first film adaptation sees Croft racing against time to recover a stolen clock, which is key to reclaiming the Triangle of Light—an artifact capable of manipulating time itself.
In the sequel, she embarks on a mission to locate a mystical orb that serves as a map to Pandora’s Box, a legendary container rumored to hold a catastrophic plague. The 2018 reboot, starring Alicia Vikander, presents a younger, more reluctant Croft, who is drawn into an adventure following the mysterious disappearance of her father.
After discovering a message detailing his research on an ancient queen with control over life and death, she disregards his plea to destroy the evidence, believing it could lead her to the truth about his fate. As for Prime Video’s upcoming adaptation, no official plot details have been released yet.
Who makes up the “Tomb Raider” movie cast?
Angelina Jolie was the first to sport the iconic long braid in the Tomb Raider franchise, bringing Lara Croft to life in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. She starred alongside Daniel Craig, who played Alex West. While the movie received mixed reviews, Jolie reprised her role in the 2003 sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, this time joined by Gerard Butler as Terry Sheridan.
The franchise was rebooted in 2018 with Tomb Raider, featuring Alicia Vikander in the lead role. Like its predecessors, the film had a lukewarm reception.
In 2024, Netflix introduced Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, an animated adaptation with Hayley Atwell voicing the adventurous archaeologist. The series, which also includes notable voice talent like Earl Baylon, was met with success, leading the streamer to renew it for a second season.
Meanwhile, Prime Video is developing its own Tomb Raider series. In November 2024, Deadline reported that Sophie Turner was in discussions to take on the lead role. As of now, no other casting details have been confirmed.
Who are the “Tomb Raider” franchise casting directors?
Several renowned casting directors have shaped the “Tomb Raider” franchise over the years. Sarah Halley Finn, known for her work on The Mandalorian, teamed up with Daniel Hubbard (King Kong), Ros Hubbard (The Mummy), and John Hubbard (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) to cast Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Daniel and John later returned for its sequel, The Cradle of Life. In 2018, Susie Figgis (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) took on casting duties for the Tomb Raider reboot, while Meredith Layne (Hercules) handled the animated adaptation, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. As of now, no casting director has been confirmed for the upcoming Prime Video series.
What is the “Tomb Raider” casting procedure like?
Although Angelina Jolie became the first actress to bring Lara Croft to life on the big screen, securing her for the role wasn’t easy. Director Simon West faced significant hurdles—not only was Hollywood still hesitant about female-led summer blockbusters, but studio executives were also wary of Jolie’s edgy public image.
“At the time, it was rare for a woman to headline an action-adventure film on her own,” West told Entertainment Weekly in 2018. “Angelina wasn’t as commercially established as some of the other actresses being considered—many of them had bigger box-office successes and safer reputations.”
Jolie, however, had a bold and unconventional persona that made some in the industry uneasy. “She had a reputation for being outspoken and living an alternative lifestyle,” West explained. “Convincing the studio to approve her was challenging, but I wanted someone who would bring depth and authenticity to the role. Angelina carried this aura of mystery and rebellion, and I knew that energy would merge perfectly with Lara Croft’s character.”
Several A-list actresses, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ashley Judd, and Jennifer Lopez, were reportedly considered for the role. However, West remained adamant that only Angelina Jolie could truly bring the character to life. “There was never a doubt about her talent; the studio’s hesitation stemmed from her mainstream appeal. The film that won her an Oscar had a tiny budget compared to this project, so the financial risk was significantly higher.
As with any major investment, the studio wanted security and guarantees, which they believed another actress might provide.” In the end, West successfully convinced the executives, and the female-led action film went on to gross an impressive $131 million—setting a new benchmark for the genre.
Now, with Prime Video reportedly gearing up to launch a fresh, franchise-driven take on Tomb Raider, all eyes are on whether Sarah Halley Finn—Marvel’s go-to casting director—will step in. With nearly two decades of experience selecting talent for the MCU’s high-intensity action films, her involvement could shape the future of the series. If she does return, one thing is clear: standing out means embracing your unique voice.
An actor should trust their instincts and embrace their natural impulses because authenticity comes from drawing on personal experiences and emotions. When an actor connects with their own truth and channels it into their character, their performance becomes distinct and memorable.
The key is to bring originality and creativity to every role, making it uniquely their own. As Finn told the auditions, “That’s what makes them stand out.” Trying to predict what casting directors want or aiming to get it “right” is futile—there is no single right way. The only path is to fully commit, personalize the role, and bring it to life.
Which “Tomb Raider” movies are in production right now?
Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider project is still in its initial development phase, so there are no filming updates at this time.
Meanwhile, Netflix recently confirmed a second season of its animated Tomb Raider series in October 2024. With that announcement, production is expected to begin in 2025. Keep an eye out for more news as it unfolds!
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Where are casting calls and auditions for “Tomb Raider” held?
The casting process for Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider series has remained highly secretive, according to Deadline. However, talent agents often have inside information on casting opportunities and can assist actors in landing auditions for major projects. If you’re not yet represented by an agent, now might be the perfect time to find one.
While you wait for updates, consider exploring our comprehensive guides on auditioning for Prime Video and Netflix productions. These resources are packed with essential tips to help you navigate the casting process and improve your chances of landing a role.
Which audition techniques are most effective for getting a part in a “Tomb Raider” film?
Expect rejection. Every actor knows that being turned down is an inevitable part of the profession, but that doesn’t mean it should stop you. As Vikander shared with The Talks, embracing the inevitable setbacks allows you to keep moving forward on your own journey, ultimately leading to success.
“It’s hard,” she reflected. “I don’t even know how many auditions I’ve done where no one watches them, or you hear no’s, or worse, you don’t hear anything at all. It’s a tough industry… My mom, an actor herself, would always ask me, ‘Are you sure this is what you want? Because this is the reality.’ When you choose this path, you’re also acknowledging that one role could come along, and then it might be ages before the next one, if at all.
Even when success starts to come your way, that understanding remains with you. I never imagined this would be my future. I never expected even one opportunity, and now I’ve been able to collaborate with so many incredible filmmakers and actors.”
Though her enthusiasm fluctuates, Turner draws motivation from her colleagues, whose performances inspire her to give her best. “As actors, we often reflect society and show audiences that they’re not alone in their struggles,” she shared with Harper’s Bazaar. “Sometimes, we can offer a story that mirrors their own life, which can spark ambition and a sense of purpose, reminding them they’re not alone.
Movies fuel my drive,” she explained. “After watching a powerful film, I feel ready to step into an audition and perform better than I would have otherwise, simply because I’ve seen an extraordinary actor bring a role to life. My peers’ talent alone is a huge motivator for me.”
Embrace the mindset of a learner. Atwell acknowledges that everyone faces moments of laziness, even she has experienced it at times. However, she believes that if you view each opportunity as a valuable learning experience, you’ll continually bring a new outlook. “Show up with professionalism, and recognize that mastering your craft requires constant effort,” she shared with the Daily Actor.
“Actors can fall into complacency once they’ve reached a certain level of success. When I sense myself slipping into that zone, it makes me anxious. I become restless and frustrated, thinking, ‘I’m missing out on the true essence of this industry, which is being constantly challenged and inspired by brilliant minds.’ That’s the driving force for me, and I strive to keep pushing forward. Above all, I hope to always maintain the spirit of an apprentice.”
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