2 classic Lara Croft stars weigh in on new Tomb Raider TV series starring Game of Thrones legend

Lara Croft stars Jonell Elliott and Judith Gibbins have shared their hopes for Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider adaptation.

The new series, which is inspired by the iconic Tomb Raider games and comes from Emmy-winning Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, will star Game of Thrones legend Sophie Turner as the new Lara Croft.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times at the Tomb Raider 30 event at the weekend, Elliott – who is the third actor to have voiced the character in the classic Tomb Raider game series – said of Turner: “ I think she is brilliantly cast.”

She continued: "I mean, I loved her in Game of Thrones. I loved that series, and I thought she... I just think she's amazing. Um, so I'm excited to see what she brings to the character, and, uh, yeah, I think she'll be magnificent.”

Asked whether there’s anything she hopes the new series doesn’t do, she added: “ No. I, I hope that they, you know, still keep her sassy, sort of acerbic, dry humour vibe. That would be good. Yeah.”

Meanwhile, asked whether there's anything she wants to be included in the new series, Gibbins – who preceded Elliott as the second actor to voice the iconic character in the video game series – said: “That's a really good question, actually.

"No, I'll just watch it and just then I'll probably have a you know think a few things to say. But I'm sure it's going to be wonderful. You know, it's I've not really heard any of her stuff, so I can't really comment on that. But obviously, it's going to be great.”

She went on to joke: “You know, it's just I wish I could do it.”

When Turner, who is best known for playing Sansa Stark in the HBO fantasy epic Game of Thrones, was confirmed to be playing Lara Croft, she said in a statement: "I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft. She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many – and I am giving everything I’ve got."

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She continued: "They’re massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina (Jolie) and Alicia (Vikander) with their powerhouse performances, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands. I can’t wait for you all to see what we have cooking."

Meanwhile, Waller-Bridge said: "I’m so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. It’s not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving.

"Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is. Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming…"

Alongside Turner, the new series also stars Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, Celia Imrie and August Wittgenstein.

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