Amazon MGM Studios announced on January 6, 2026, the complete cast for its upcoming Tomb Raider series, marking a significant content investment for Prime Video’s advertising-supported streaming platform. The series will star Sophie Turner as Lara Croft alongside veteran actors Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs, representing Amazon’s continued push to develop premium original content that attracts advertising dollars.

“Tomb Raider boasts a plethora of iconic characters,” said co-showrunner Phoebe Waller-Bridge. “I am thrilled to have been able to bring some personal and fan favourites to the screen while also introducing a few new rascals of our own to the mix. This cast is beyond my wildest dreams!”

The announcement comes as Amazon continues expanding its entertainment portfolio to compete for streaming advertising budgets. Prime Video’s advertising tier, which became the default option for subscribers in January 2024, has transformed the platform into a major player in the connected TV advertising market.

Established talent joins video game adaptation

Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, described Croft as a fierce female role model. “I’ve been a longtime fan of Tomb Raider and the character of Lara,” Turner said. “She has always felt for me, very emboldened in a male-dominated world.”

Peter Friedlander, head of Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized the production’s ambition. “Tomb Raider has always been defined by bold storytelling and unforgettable characters, and these new cast members bring incredible depth and gravitas to the series,” Friedlander said. “With talents like Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs joining the ensemble, we’re elevating this world in exciting new ways, and can’t wait for our global Prime Video audience to experience this next chapter of Tomb Raider.”

The series includes actors portraying canon characters from the Tomb Raider video game franchise alongside new characters created for the television adaptation. Martin Bobb-Semple joins as Zip, Croft’s long-standing tech support and friend from the games. Jason Isaacs portrays Atlas DeMornay, Lara’s uncle, while Bill Paterson plays Winston, the Croft family butler who has appeared throughout the franchise’s history.

New characters expand Tomb Raider universe

Amazon has introduced several original characters not present in the video game source material. Jack Bannon plays Gerry, described as Lara’s personal pilot and snack collector. John Heffernan portrays David, an exhausted government official entangled in Lara’s adventures. Celia Imrie joins as Francine, the Head of Advancement at the British Museum focused on fundraising.

Paterson Joseph plays Thomas Warner, a senior government official brought in to address an “almighty mess.” Sasha Luss portrays Sasha, a fierce and competitive new adversary for Lara. Juliette Motamed appears as Georgia, a by-the-books British Museum curator dedicated to historical preservation.

Sigourney Weaver plays Evelyn Wallis, characterized as a mysterious, high-flying woman keen to exploit Lara’s talents. August Wittgenstein portrays Lukas, an illegal raider who shares history with Lara.

The production team includes Waller-Bridge serving as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge as co-showrunner and executive producer. Jonathan Van Tulleken will serve as director and executive producer. The series is executive produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Crystal Dynamics, Waller-Bridge, and Jenny Robins through Wells Street Films, Dmitri M. Johnson, Michael Lawrence Goldberg, and Timothy I. Stevenson through Story Kitchen, Michael Scheel, and Legendary Television.

Strategic content investment for advertising platform

The Tomb Raider series represents Amazon’s broader strategy of developing premium content to drive both subscription retention and advertising revenue. Prime Video generated over 50 billion ad impressions in 2024 following the introduction of its ad-supported tier, according to MoffettNathanson estimates.

Video game adaptations have become increasingly valuable properties for streaming platforms seeking to build loyal audiences. The Tomb Raider franchise, which debuted in 1996, has sold over 95 million copies across multiple platforms and maintains strong brand recognition across demographics. This existing fan base provides a built-in audience for advertising campaigns targeting entertainment consumers.

Amazon’s investment in high-profile adaptations aligns with broader trends in streaming content strategy, where platforms compete for both subscription revenue and advertising dollars through premium original programming. The company has secured multiple major franchise adaptations including Spider-Noir, Stargate, and Project Hail Mary.

The advertising implications extend beyond direct sponsorship opportunities. Amazon’s ability to connect viewing data with shopping behavior through its e-commerce platform creates targeting capabilities unavailable to traditional streaming competitors. Advertisers can potentially reach Tomb Raider viewers with product recommendations based on demonstrated interest in adventure content, gaming-related products, or female-led action programming.

Cast profiles and experience

Sophie Turner began her career at age 13 playing Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, a role she maintained for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019. Turner received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019. She portrayed Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019). Recent projects include The Staircase (2022) and Joan (2024).

Sigourney Weaver established her career with the Alien franchise, beginning with Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and continuing through four films. Weaver received Academy Award nominations for Aliens (1986), Gorillas in the Mist (1988), and Working Girl (1988). She starred in the Ghostbusters franchise and Avatar (2009), with Avatar: The Way of Water becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time in 2022. Recent work includes The Good House (2021) and Avatar: Fire and Ash (scheduled for 2025).

Jason Isaacs gained recognition as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series (2002-2011). He portrayed Captain Hook in Peter Pan (2003) and starred in Brotherhood (2006-2008). Isaacs appeared in The Death of Stalin (2017), Hotel Mumbai (2018), and starred in Star Trek: Discovery (2017-2021). He currently appears in Archie (2023-present).

Bill Paterson has worked extensively in British television and film since the 1970s. He appeared in Comfort and Joy (1984), The Witches (1990), and Fleabag (2016-2019). Recent television work includes The Batman (2022) and Stonehouse (2023). Paterson has collaborated frequently with Scottish filmmakers including Bill Forsyth.

Martin Bobb-Semple appeared in Hollyoaks (2018-2019) and Four Weddings and a Funeral (2019). He starred in Code 404 (2020-2022) and appeared in The Power (2023). Bobb-Semple has worked in British theater productions.

Jack Bannon portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in Pennyworth (2019-2022), exploring the origin story of Batman’s butler. He appeared in The Imitation Game (2014) and Ripper Street (2013-2016). Recent work includes The Larkins (2021-2022).

John Heffernan has appeared extensively in British television including The Crown (2016), Dracula (2020), and The Pursuit of Love (2021). He starred in The Woman in White (2018) and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015). Heffernan has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre.

Celia Imrie established her career in British comedy and drama, appearing in Acorn Antiques (1985-1987), Dinnerladies (1998-2000), and numerous Victoria Wood productions. She joined the Bridget Jones franchise (2001-2016) and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films (2011-2015). Recent work includes Malevolent (2018) and Better Things (2016-2022).

Paterson Joseph gained recognition in Peep Show (2003-2015) and appeared in Doctor Who (2008), Law & Order: UK (2009-2014), and Timeless (2016-2018). He starred in Noughts + Crosses (2020-2022) and appeared in The Leftovers (2014-2017). Joseph has performed extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Sasha Luss began as a fashion model before transitioning to acting. She appeared in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) and starred in Anna (2019), an action thriller directed by Luc Besson. Recent film work includes Doll’s House (2023) and The Ballerina (2024).

Juliette Motamed has appeared in British television including Holby City (2020-2021) and Silent Witness (2021). She worked in theater productions before transitioning to television. Recent projects include Dead Lucky (2022) and The Buccaneers (2023).

August Wittgenstein appeared in The Crown (2019-2020) as Prince Philip’s close friend, showcasing his ability to portray complex historical figures. He starred in Das Boot (2018-2022) and appeared in Overlord (2018). Recent work includes A Thin Line (2021) and Marie Antoinette (2022).

The production timeline remains unannounced, though Amazon typically promotes major series releases several months in advance to maximize audience awareness and advertising campaign planning. Industry observers expect the series to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027 based on typical post-production schedules for effects-heavy action programming.

Summary

Who: Amazon MGM Studios announced the cast for its Tomb Raider series, led by Sophie Turner as Lara Croft with supporting actors including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Bill Paterson, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Celia Imrie, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, and August Wittgenstein. Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge.

What: The announcement revealed the complete cast for the Prime Video series based on the Tomb Raider video game franchise, including both characters from the games and new characters created for the television adaptation. The series represents a major content investment for Prime Video’s advertising-supported streaming platform.

When: Amazon MGM Studios made the announcement on January 6, 2026, with production expected to deliver episodes in late 2026 or early 2027.

Where: The series will stream on Prime Video globally, leveraging Amazon’s international streaming infrastructure and advertising platform that serves multiple markets.

Why: The Tomb Raider series supports Amazon’s strategy of developing premium original content to attract subscribers and advertising revenue on Prime Video, which became an advertising-supported platform in January 2024. The video game adaptation targets an existing fan base while providing premium inventory for advertisers seeking to reach entertainment-focused audiences.