GameStop Sparks Backlash Over Sophie Turner’s Lara Croft in Prime Video’s Tomb Raider

Key Points

• Amazon unveiled a first-look image of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft on January 16, 2026.
• GameStop responded on X with the statement: “This is not Lara Croft,” igniting controversy.
• The post drew 18.4 million views and over 4,700 replies, splitting fans between criticism and support.
• Turner’s portrayal aligns with the modern, realistic version of Lara Croft, moving away from past depictions.
• The series, developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is set to premiere on Prime Video in 2027.

Amazon’s Reveal and GameStop’s Reaction

Amazon released the first official image of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in its upcoming Tomb Raider series on January 16, 2026. The reveal, shared by IGN on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral.

GameStop added fuel to the conversation by quote-tweeting the post with the blunt remark: “This is not Lara Croft.” The statement, lacking further explanation, triggered immediate backlash and widespread debate among fans.

Fan Response and Ongoing Debate

GameStop’s comment amassed 18.4 million views and thousands of replies. Many criticized the retailer for dismissing Turner’s casting, while others defended her portrayal, noting Lara Croft’s evolution over the years.

The controversy highlights a long-standing debate over the character’s design. Early iterations of Lara Croft emphasized exaggerated, hyper-sexualized traits. More recent reboots have shifted toward a grounded, realistic depiction, focusing on intelligence, athleticism, and survival skills. Turner’s look reflects this modern interpretation.

Casting and Production Details

Despite the criticism, Turner’s casting has been largely well-received, with fans praising the updated representation. She leads a star-studded ensemble including Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, Celia Imrie, and August Wittgenstein.

The series is being developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. Jonathan Van Tulleken directs and joins as executive producer. Production is currently underway, with a 2027 premiere date set for Prime Video.

Why It Matters

The backlash underscores how iconic characters like Lara Croft remain deeply tied to fan expectations. Turner’s casting represents a deliberate move toward modernizing the franchise, while GameStop’s criticism reflects lingering attachment to older portrayals.

What Happens Next?

As production continues, Prime Video is expected to release more promotional material leading up to the 2027 premiere. Whether fan sentiment shifts in favor of Turner’s Lara Croft will likely depend on how the series balances nostalgia with its updated vision.