On September 4, 2025, Amazon Prime Video announced that Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, will take on the iconic role of Lara Croft in their upcoming Tomb Raider series, set to begin filming in January 2026. The decision, revealed alongside the news that Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge will serve as writer and co-showrunner, has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media and fan communities. While some celebrate Turner’s casting as a fresh take on the beloved archaeologist-adventurer, others have voiced strong objections, particularly over claims that Turner’s appearance does not align with their vision of Lara Croft. The controversy, fueled by a viral sentiment describing Turner as “the whitest girl in America” cast as “a notoriously dark-skinned girl,” has raised questions about representation, fidelity to the source material, and the evolving legacy of one of gaming’s most iconic characters.

Lara Croft, first introduced in 1996 by British developer Core Design, is a cultural juggernaut. The Tomb Raider franchise, spanning video games, films, and animated series, has cemented her as a symbol of adventure, intelligence, and resilience. Previously portrayed on screen by Angelina Jolie in the early 2000s and Alicia Vikander in the 2018 reboot, Lara has been depicted with a distinct athletic build, brown hair, and an adventurous spirit that transcends borders. However, the recent casting announcement has drawn criticism from fans who argue that Turner’s physical appearance—particularly her fair skin and red hair—deviates from their perception of Lara’s established look. A Reddit user on the r/TombRaider subreddit remarked, “Her skin is way too light, she doesn’t have the hair colour, the eye colour, the facial features (lips most importantly), and she doesn’t have the body, she’s way too thin.” This sentiment echoes a broader debate about whether Turner’s casting respects the character’s roots or risks alienating the franchise’s core audience.

The phrase “Sophie Turner, the whitest girl in America, has been chosen to play the role of Lara Croft, a notoriously dark-skinned girl” first gained traction on social media, particularly on platforms like X and Reddit, where fans expressed frustration over what they see as a mismatch. The claim that Lara Croft is “notoriously dark-skinned” has itself sparked confusion, as the character’s appearance has varied across games and adaptations. In the original games, Lara’s skin tone was not explicitly dark, though her adventurous lifestyle often placed her in sun-drenched environments, implying a tanned complexion. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal leaned into a glamorous, slightly tanned aesthetic, while Alicia Vikander’s version embraced a grittier, more grounded look inspired by the 2013 game reboot. Neither portrayal explicitly defined Lara as “dark-skinned,” leading some to question the accuracy of the viral criticism. A user on r/entertainment noted, “Lara Croft does not have red or blonde hair. She has auburn hair. But you saying she looks the part and her hair is perfect is just wrong in every possible way.” This highlights the intensity of fan expectations and the scrutiny placed on Turner’s casting.

Despite the backlash, Turner herself is enthusiastic about the role. In a statement, she said, “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. They’re massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia 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.” Her excitement is matched by Waller-Bridge, who praised Turner’s casting, stating, “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…” Their confidence suggests a vision that aims to honor Lara’s legacy while introducing a new interpretation.

The controversy surrounding Turner’s casting is not just about appearance but also about her perceived ability to embody Lara’s physicality and charisma. Fans have pointed to Turner’s roles as Sansa Stark and Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix, where she often portrayed characters with emotional depth but limited action-hero experience. A commenter on r/gameofthrones wrote, “I don’t think that Turner is a leading actress. She’s one of weaker actors in GOT. Also everything else she’s been in, she’s been pretty bland or mediocre at best.” Others, however, defend her potential, noting her physical transformation for the role. In May 2025, Turner shared a now-deleted Instagram photo showcasing a sculpted physique, prompting fans to speculate about her preparation for Lara Croft. “THE MUSCLES!!!!! 💪,” one fan commented, while another noted, “You look absolutely SHREDDED.” This transformation, coupled with her training for fight scenes and stunts, suggests Turner is committed to meeting the physical demands of the role.

The debate also touches on broader issues of representation in Hollywood. Some fans argue that casting a fair-skinned actress like Turner overlooks opportunities to diversify the portrayal of Lara Croft, especially in an era where inclusive casting is increasingly prioritized. A post on r/CriticalDrinker stated, “Sure, let’s get a pale redhead to play a brunette olive-skinned chick.” Others counter that Lara’s British heritage and adventurous spirit are more defining than her skin tone, and Turner’s casting aligns with the character’s cultural roots. The series, helmed by Waller-Bridge and co-showrunner Chad Hodge, is expected to draw inspiration from the 1990s games, aiming for a tone akin to The Mummy (1999). This suggests a blend of camp, humor, and action that could allow Turner to bring a fresh perspective to the role.

Supporters of Turner’s casting argue that the backlash is premature. A Reddit user on r/gameofthrones expressed cautious optimism, stating, “I think she’ll be great. Hopefully with her natural hair color! Shout out to Alicia Vikander though, she was an excellent Lara and deserved another outing.” Others urge fans to reserve judgment until the series premieres, likely in 2027. The involvement of Waller-Bridge, known for her sharp writing and nuanced female characters, adds credibility to the project. Her passion for the franchise, combined with a talented creative team including director Jonathan Van Tulleken, known for Shōgun, suggests a thoughtful approach to reimagining Lara Croft for a modern audience.

As the Tomb Raider series moves forward, the controversy surrounding Sophie Turner’s casting highlights the challenges of adapting a beloved character for a new generation. Fans are deeply invested in Lara Croft, and their reactions reflect a desire to see her portrayed authentically. Whether Turner can silence her critics remains to be seen, but her commitment, paired with Waller-Bridge’s creative vision, promises an exciting chapter in the Tomb Raider saga. For now, the debate rages on, with fans eagerly awaiting a glimpse of Turner in action. Will she redefine Lara Croft, or will the naysayers’ fears be proven right? Only time—and a trailer—will tell.