Tomb Raider Production Halted Due to Sophie Turner's Injury

Ricky Gervais

Comedian, writer, and actor who created "The Office" and writes provocatively on comedy and society.

The filming of the new 'Tomb Raider' series for Prime Video has encountered a temporary setback as its star, Sophie Turner, has suffered an injury, leading to a pause in production. Turner, known for her role in 'Game of Thrones', is set to embody the iconic character Lara Croft in this highly anticipated adaptation, which is being penned and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Reports suggest that the injury is an aggravation of a pre-existing back condition, potentially extending the production hiatus from one to six months.

A representative from Prime Video confirmed the incident, stating that the pause is a precautionary measure to allow Turner adequate time for recovery, with hopes of resuming filming promptly. The series, which commenced principal photography in January, boasts a distinguished ensemble cast including Martin Bobb-Semple, Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, and others. The initial release target for the series is 2027, but it remains to be seen how this unforeseen interruption will influence the schedule. The 'Tomb Raider' franchise, originating as a video game in 1996, has enjoyed several revivals, with new game titles 'Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis' and 'Tomb Raider: Catalyst' slated for 2026 and 2027, respectively. On-screen, Lara Croft has previously been brought to life by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.

With the intellectual property for 'Tomb Raider' now under the ownership of Embracer, expectations are considerable for Prime Video's rendition, especially given the platform's recent triumph with the 'Fallout' adaptation. The incident underscores the demanding nature of film production and the commitment to cast well-being. It also highlights the intricate planning required to manage large-scale projects, where unforeseen events can significantly impact timelines. However, the dedication to ensuring the lead actress's full recovery before resuming work demonstrates a responsible approach to filmmaking.