Amazon's Tomb Raider: New Set Pics, Sharp-Dressed Allies, and a Dash of Waller-Bridge Wonder
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
New set photos for Amazon's Tomb Raider series show Sophie Turner's Lara Croft and a sharply-dressed Zip, but it's Phoebe Waller-Bridge's creative wizardry and the possibility of Keeley Hawes's return that has this curious gamer feeling surprisingly optimistic.
Right then, gather 'round, mates! I've been poking through the latest digital tea leaves, and it seems Amazon's upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series is starting to reveal some rather intriguing glimpses of what's brewing. Now, you know me – I approach these big-budget adaptations with the enthusiasm of someone who just found a legendary artifact, but also the gentle skepticism of someone who's seen said artifact turn into a very expensive paperweight before. But fair dinkum, some of these new set photos have me genuinely leaning towards the 'optimistically chaotic' side of the ledger.
The latest batch, originally unearthed by Victoria Phillips Kennedy for Eurogamer, gives us our clearest look yet at Sophie Turner as our new Lara Croft. She's looking suitably rugged, mind, but also, well, quite put-together for someone who's apparently been traipsing through the Surrey woods at night. And a motorbike! My heart sings a little bit whenever Lara gets on two wheels; it's just classic. More importantly, she’s clutching a rather menacing-looking dagger – reckon it's not for buttering toast, eh? Seems like classic Tomb Raider fare: ancient artifacts, dangerous situations, and probably a whole lot of precarious jumping, though I’m holding out hope for some of those dramatic knife fight scenes the rumours are swirling about. She's also rocking a retractable pickaxe, which, if memory serves me right, made an appearance in the animated series – a neat little nod for the eagle-eyed fans, I reckon.
But what truly snagged my curious eye wasn't Lara's mysterious new blade, or even the fact that these night shots follow earlier daylight ones of Turner parachuting in (classic Lara entrance, that). No, mate, it was Zip. Zip! The legendary tech wizard, usually glued to a monitor or whispering ominous warnings into Lara's earpiece from a comfortable distance. Here he is, out in the literal field, picking up Lara on a motorbike, looking like he's about to attend a rather swanky underground poker game rather than a midnight forest extraction. A sharply dressed operative in the rain-soaked woods? Bloody hell, I’m not sure that's optimal tactical attire for a clandestine rendezvous, but bless Martin Bobb-Semple for making it look good. It does raise an interesting question though, doesn't it? Is Zip getting a more hands-on, field-agent role in this adaptation? Perhaps he's finally decided to emerge from his digital cave and see the world, or maybe Lara accidentally cast a teleportation spell that went slightly awry and landed him mid-fashion shoot. Either way, it's an unexpected turn that could shake up the familiar dynamic.
But here's the real magic, the enchantment that makes me genuinely optimistic, despite my gentle skepticism about *another* beloved gaming IP getting the live-action treatment. The name dropped alongside all this set photo goodness is none other than Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Bloody hell! Creator, writer, executive producer, co-showrunner... she's basically the high priestess of this whole operation. The woman who gave us *Fleabag* and *Killing Eve*? That's not just a big name; that's a creative force. It's like finding a rare legendary artifact in a common loot box. Her work is sharp, witty, deeply character-driven, and often surprisingly poignant, all wrapped up in a package that doesn't shy away from chaos or irreverence. If she can infuse even a fraction of that energy into Lara Croft – a character who often feels like she's walking a tightrope between stoic adventurer and sarcastic survivor – then we might just be in for a genuine treat. This isn't just a corporate tick-box exercise; this feels like a genuine creative vision taking shape. Her quote, "Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and are all as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is," really resonates. It hints at a Lara that isn't afraid to be more than just a polygon-perfect action hero.
And speaking of intriguing casting, we've got Jason Isaacs as Uncle Atlas and Bill Paterson as Winston – both solid choices, promising some seasoned talent to anchor the show. But the real rumour that sent a little shiver down my spine, in the best possible way, was the sighting of Keeley Hawes on set. Keeley Hawes! The voice of Lara Croft for an entire generation of gamers. The whispers suggest she might be playing Lara's mother, Amelia. Now *that*, mates, is a stroke of genius. A proper passing of the torch, a meta-nod to the character's legacy, and a way to embrace the rich history of Tomb Raider without feeling like a mere imitation. It's the kind of subtle, clever fan service that shows genuine respect for the source material and the community that loves it. This is how you connect current news to broader gaming trends and history, innit?
So, what's my final take, after sifting through these digital crumbs? Well, I started out gently skeptical, as is my wont when big studios tackle our cherished virtual heroes. But I reckon there's something truly special brewing here. We've got the classic action elements – Lara, motorbikes, mysterious daggers, probably some dramatic knife fights if the Daily Mail is to be believed (and who am I to question the grand oracle of Surrey woods gossip?). We've got characters like Zip stepping into the spotlight in unexpected ways. And crucially, we have Phoebe Waller-Bridge, a creative wizard who could genuinely blow a hole through our expectations and deliver something truly captivating. It feels like an adaptation that's not afraid to play, to experiment, to be a bit chaotic, but always with a deep reverence for the character. Dare I say it? I'm feeling cautiously, optimistically chaotic about this one. Let's just hope they don't try to shoehorn any NFTs into Lara's inventory, eh? Some things are best left to ancient curses.
Original reporting and insights courtesy of Victoria Phillips Kennedy for Eurogamer, published February 20, 2026.
Tags: Tomb Raider, Amazon Prime Video, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Gaming Adaptation, Sophie Turner
Original article: Eurogamer