In May 2024, Amazon Prime Video announced a bold new venture: a live-action Tomb Raider series penned and executive-produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the Emmy-winning creator of Fleabag. The project, initially heralded as a cornerstone of Amazon’s ambitious plans for an interconnected Tomb Raider universe, has since sparked intense debate and skepticism. With production slated to begin in early 2026 and Sophie Turner cast as Lara Croft, the series has been labeled by critics and fans as a “woke” misstep that risks tarnishing the iconic franchise. Despite Waller-Bridge’s passion for the project and Amazon’s hefty financial investment, concerns about her creative direction, the series’ ideological leanings, and a troubled development process have fueled predictions of a potential disaster.
The Tomb Raider franchise, born from the 1996 video game, has long been a cultural touchstone, with Lara Croft embodying a fearless, globe-trotting archaeologist navigating perilous tombs and ancient mysteries. Previous adaptations, including Angelina Jolie’s early 2000s films and Alicia Vikander’s 2018 reboot, met with mixed success, but Waller-Bridge’s version promises a fresh take—one that some fear may prioritize modern political sensibilities over the franchise’s action-adventure roots. As the project moves forward, its high-profile creative team, substantial budget, and polarized reception make it one of the most scrutinized television productions of the decade.
A Controversial Vision
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, celebrated for her sharp wit and feminist storytelling in Fleabag and Killing Eve, has been vocal about her lifelong love for Tomb Raider. In a 2023 interview, she described the opportunity to reimagine Lara Croft as a dream come true, emphasizing her desire to craft a “dangerous and exciting” series that honors the character’s legacy while updating her for a modern audience. However, her comments about rethinking Lara’s physicality—particularly a focus on moving away from the character’s historically sexualized design—have raised eyebrows. Waller-Bridge noted the challenges of depicting a “fit” Lara Croft navigating tight spaces, suggesting a more practical and less objectified portrayal, which some fans interpret as a push toward a “woke” agenda.
The term “woke” has become a lightning rod in discussions about the series, with critics arguing that Waller-Bridge’s feminist perspective and Amazon’s recent track record of ideologically driven projects could alienate the franchise’s core audience. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with fan reactions, ranging from cautious optimism to outright dismay. One user posted, “Turning Lara Croft into a lecture on feminism is a betrayal of everything Tomb Raider stands for—action, adventure, and grit.” Others have expressed concern that the series might downplay Lara’s physical prowess and iconic weaponry in favor of a more cerebral, socially conscious narrative, a move they fear could dilute the character’s essence.
Waller-Bridge’s involvement in high-profile flops like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which grossed $384 million against a nearly $400 million budget, has further fueled skepticism. Her contributions to that film, both as a writer and actress, were criticized for lacking the charm and excitement of earlier entries, with some fans pointing to her meta-humor and modern sensibilities as a poor fit for classic action-adventure storytelling. These concerns have carried over to Tomb Raider, with fears that her signature style—introspective, quippy, and character-driven—may clash with the franchise’s high-octane, puzzle-solving roots.
A Troubled Development Journey
The Tomb Raider series has faced significant hurdles since its announcement in January 2023. Initially backed by Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke, who signed Waller-Bridge to a $20 million-a-year deal in 2019, the project was envisioned as part of a broader Tomb Raider universe, including a new film and video game. Salke’s vision was to create a Marvel-like interconnected franchise, with Waller-Bridge at the helm of the television arm. However, reports of development woes have cast doubt on the project’s viability.
By early 2025, the series was described as being “stuck in development hell,” with no completed scripts despite years of work and tens of millions of dollars spent. Two writers’ rooms had reportedly been assembled, with additional writers like Chad Hodge joining as co-showrunner, yet progress remained stagnant. The departure of Salke from Amazon MGM Studios in March 2025 dealt a significant blow, as she had been a key champion of the project. Her exit, coupled with criticism of her oversight of other costly misfires like The Rings of Power, left the series in limbo, with some insiders predicting it would never materialize.
Despite these setbacks, Amazon confirmed in September 2025 that the series was moving forward, with filming scheduled for 2026 and Sophie Turner cast as Lara Croft. Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, was Waller-Bridge’s choice for the iconic adventurer, reportedly beating out contenders like Lucy Boynton and Emma Corin. While Turner’s casting initially generated excitement, it also sparked backlash from fans who felt she lacked the physicality or action-hero gravitas of previous Laras. Some pointed to her Halloween costume inspired by The Matrix’s Trinity as evidence of her enthusiasm, but others argued that her resume, heavy on drama and light on action, made her an uncertain fit.
Casting and Creative Concerns
Turner’s casting has been a focal point of the series’ controversy. While her performances in Game of Thrones and the crime drama Joan showcased her dramatic range, fans worry she may struggle to embody Lara Croft’s physicality and charisma. Previous portrayals by Jolie and Vikander leaned heavily on athleticism and intensity, qualities that defined Lara as a cultural icon. Critics on social media have suggested alternative casting choices, such as Kaya Scodelario or Ella Purnell, who they believe better capture Lara’s adventurous spirit.
Waller-Bridge’s creative direction has also drawn scrutiny. Her comments about reimagining Lara’s look and personality suggest a departure from the character’s traditional depiction as a confident, gun-wielding archaeologist. In a 2023 interview, she emphasized crafting a Lara who is “deliberate” and less of a “sex symbol,” prompting fears that the series might shy away from the action-packed sequences and bold aesthetic that defined the games. Fans have expressed concern that the show could prioritize dialogue-driven drama over the franchise’s signature elements—puzzles, combat, and exploration.
The addition of Chad Hodge as co-showrunner has done little to quell these fears. Known for Wayward Pines, Hodge brings a background in character-driven storytelling, which some worry could further shift the series away from its action roots. The involvement of Crystal Dynamics, the Tomb Raider game developer, offers some reassurance, with studio head Scot Amos promising a “narrative-driven action-adventure” that respects the franchise’s legacy. However, the lack of a completed script and the series’ ballooning budget—estimated at over $100 million for Waller-Bridge’s deal alone—have raised questions about Amazon’s commitment to the project.
A Polarized Fanbase and Industry Skepticism
The Tomb Raider series has divided fans, with some excited by Waller-Bridge’s involvement and others dreading a “woke” reinterpretation. On X, supporters have praised her ability to craft compelling female characters, citing Fleabag and Killing Eve as evidence of her storytelling prowess. One user wrote, “Phoebe’s take on Lara Croft could be groundbreaking—smart, fierce, and modern.” However, detractors argue that her feminist lens and Amazon’s push for inclusive narratives could alienate the franchise’s core audience, primarily male gamers who grew up with the original games. Posts like “Keep politics out of Tomb Raider! Lara doesn’t need a lecture, she needs a gun” reflect the intensity of the backlash.
Industry insiders have also expressed doubt. Reports from early 2025 suggested that many in Hollywood believed the series would never materialize, citing Waller-Bridge’s lack of output despite her lucrative deal. Her track record at Amazon—zero completed projects from her 2019 contract—has fueled criticism that she’s been overpaid for minimal results. The failure of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and her brief involvement in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (before exiting due to creative differences) have further tarnished her reputation as a reliable action-adventure storyteller.
A High-Stakes Gamble
Amazon’s Tomb Raider series represents a high-stakes gamble, with the potential to either revitalize the franchise or become another costly misfire. The success of Amazon’s Fallout series, which balanced fidelity to its source material with fresh storytelling, offers hope that Tomb Raider could follow suit. However, the franchise’s history of adaptation struggles—Jolie’s films were panned for weak plots, and Vikander’s reboot failed to spark a sequel—looms large. Waller-Bridge’s challenge is to deliver a Lara Croft who feels authentic to fans while appealing to a broader, modern audience.
As production gears up for 2026, the series’ fate hinges on Waller-Bridge’s ability to translate her vision into a compelling script and Turner’s capacity to embody an iconic character. With millions already spent and a fanbase divided, the Tomb Raider series is poised to be a lightning rod for debate. Whether it will be a triumphant adventure or a cautionary tale of creative overreach remains to be seen, but for now, the project is moving forward amid a storm of skepticism and hope.
