Amazon's Lara Croft Series Ties Close to New Tomb Raider Game

Amazon is developing a live-action Tomb Raider series that will share a single universe with an upcoming game. Creators aim to blend TV storytelling with gameplay into a cohesive narrative rather than presenting a separate origin story.

Unified universe approach

On Story Kitchen's site, the Amazon MGM deal is described as a reimagining that brings the TV show and the new game into one continuous storyline. This strategy aims to refresh Lara Croft's image and attract both long-time fans and new players.

Cast and production timeline

Actress Sophie Turner, best known for Game of Thrones and X‑Men: Dark Phoenix, has been cast as Lara Croft. Filming is scheduled to begin in January.

Game development and early details

The new Tomb Raider game is being developed by Amazon Games in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics. Players can expect classic puzzle-solving and a variety of enemies, though official specifics remain scarce.

It remains unclear which project will reach audiences first; the two endeavors may influence each other in unexpected ways.

Broader Franchise evolution

Meanwhile, animation is also expanding the series. Netflix is developing its own Tomb Raider animated series, signaling a broad update across platforms. Amazon hopes to revive Tomb Raider as a leading adventure brand.

The Tomb Raider series centers on Lara Croft, an archaeologist who travels the globe in search of artifacts. Since her debut in 1996, the franchise has grown to include films, TV shows, and comics. Lara Croft has earned two Guinness World Records: for the most sales by a video game character and for appearing on the most magazine covers featuring a game character.

"Key takeaway: Uniting television and gameplay into a single universe can reinvigorate a beloved franchise, but coherence across formats is essential."

Expert comment

Expert comment: An industry analyst notes that cross-media storytelling can widen the audience but requires strong, consistent world-building. The success will depend on delivering a clear narrative arc that works for both TV viewers and game players.

Short summary

Amazon's Tomb Raider plan signals a major shift toward a unified franchise across television and gaming. While timing remains uncertain, the collaboration with Crystal Dynamics aims to deliver iconic puzzles and fresh adventures. The move comes as streaming platforms expand Tomb Raider content, with Netflix also launching an animated series. The hope is to restore Lara Croft to the forefront of adventure branding.

"Key takeaway: Uniting television and gameplay into a single universe can reinvigorate a beloved franchise, but coherence across formats is essential."