A Look at All the Actresses Who’ve Portrayed Lara Croft, Including Angelina Jolie and Sophie Turner

Angelina Jolie in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’; Sophie Turner as Lara Croft.
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Courtesy Everett Collection; Jay Maidment/Prime

Lara Croft’s Next Chapter

Lara Croft, the iconic character from the Tomb Raider video game franchise, is set to embark on a new adventure. The adventurer, first introduced in the 1996 video game, has seen multiple adaptations through film and television, with various actresses portraying her.

Angelina Jolie famously stepped into the role in 2001 and reprised it in 2003. Recently, it was announced that Sophie Turner will take on the mantle of Lara Croft in an upcoming Tomb Raider series on Prime Video. Production officially commenced on January 15, marking a fresh chapter in the character’s storied legacy.

Since her debut nearly 30 years ago, Lara has captivated audiences as she travels the globe in search of lost artifacts and historical treasures. The character’s journey began with the 1996 game, where she ventured to uncover a powerful relic known as the Scion of Atlantis. Over the years, the franchise has expanded, featuring multiple video games, films, and even an animated series.

Jolie’s portrayal in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and its sequel established her as a household name. Other actresses have also made their mark on the character, including Hayley Atwell, who voices Lara in the 2024 Netflix animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. In an October 2024 interview, Atwell remarked on Lara’s enduring appeal, stating, “She’s unique in that she’s an action adventurer who [creates] myth-fueled stories.” She emphasized how the blend of archeology, history, and ancient cultures contributes to Lara’s timelessness.

As a new adaptation goes into production, the legacy of Lara Croft continues to evolve, demonstrating the character’s lasting impact on popular culture.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie played Lara in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, released in June 2001, and its 2003 sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life. In February 2025, she revealed that she initially turned down the role, only to change her mind after learning about the film’s adventurous aspects. "They said, ‘You can travel the world and train with the British military,’" she recalled. "I will wear the shorts for the first five minutes and then I’ll never wear them again."

This role proved transformative for Jolie not just professionally but personally, as the film was shot in Cambodia, where she later adopted her first child.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander took on the role in the 2018 reboot of Tomb Raider, where Lara searches for her missing father, Richard Croft, portrayed by Dominic West. Following the film, a sequel was put into development; however, MGM lost the rights, resulting in Vikander stepping away from the franchise in 2022. In a September 2024 interview, she expressed disappointment about not returning to the role, admitting she had "so much fun" during the experience.

Hayley Atwell

Atwell voiced Lara Croft in the 2024 Netflix animated series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. In discussing her involvement with the series, she highlighted the character’s significance, stating, "Even if people are not that familiar with the games … she’s a very known, beloved figure." Netlix has already renewed the series for a second season, set to premiere in December 2025, although it will be its last.

Sophie Turner

In November 2024, Sophie Turner was confirmed as the latest actress to don the role, with filming for the live-action series slated to begin in January 2026. Turner expressed her excitement by stating, "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." Aware of the legacy left by Jolie and Vikander, she acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in the project’s direction under Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s leadership.

As the series progresses, fans can anticipate new interpretations of the legendary character, ensuring that Lara Croft remains a powerful icon in entertainment.