You know that sinking feeling when a long-awaited expedition hits quicksand? That’s the vibe surrounding Amazon MGM Studios’ Tomb Raider series right now. Announced back in January 2023 with the sharp-witted Phoebe Waller-Bridge signed on to write and executive produce, this live-action take on the iconic video game adventurer seemed primed for glory. But glory… it waits, apparently. The latest scoop from Production Weekly, surfaced via SuperHeroHype, pegs filming start to the first quarter of 2026—a far cry from the August or September kickoff whispered about in June reports.
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? This project’s been tumbling through development hell like Lara Croft navigating a booby-trapped temple. Remember April last year, when whispers of cancellation exploded across the web? Reports claimed two writers’ rooms and tens of millions burned up with zilch to show. The production teams fired back quick, denying it all, but the smoke lingered. Rumors of scribes shuffling in and out, endless debates over tone—light-hearted romp or gritty dig? They’ve kept fans on edge, scrolling Reddit for crumbs.
Speaking of which, those Reddit threads paint an intriguing picture: Lara as a seasoned archaeologist, already knee-deep in relics, with a 1990s flair echoing the breezy thrills of 1999’s The Mummy. Gorgeous. Adventurous. A tad chaotic—much like the production itself. And then there’s Sophie Turner, in negotiations since November 2024 to embody Croft, showing off a ripped physique in May snaps that screamed “ready for raids.” If that holds, it’s a casting coup; Turner’s got that fierce edge from Game of Thrones, blended with a sly humor that could nail Waller-Bridge’s vision.
In the adventure genre—hell, in comic-book cinema too—these delays sting but often forge something sharper. Think how The Mummy blended horror-lite scares with swashbuckling fun, turning Brendan Fraser into an icon. Tomb Raider could channel that, dodging the pitfalls of past adaptations that felt… flat. Over-polished. But here’s the human bit: we’re all a little weary, right? Excited one minute, skeptical the next. I’ve chased similar buzz at festivals—Sundance teases that fizzle, TIFF darlings that evolve. This one’s got potential, though; Waller-Bridge’s Emmy-winning bite could elevate it beyond mere reboot.
Anyway—where were we? Oh yeah, the wait. No confirmed premiere yet, just this filming shuffle. For more on the delay, check SuperHeroHype’s update here. And Variety had the scoop on Turner’s involvement back in November.
What twists await next in this saga? Drop your thoughts below—fan theories, gripes, hopes. Maybe it’ll spark the fire they need.
The Announcement That Started It All
Back in January 2023, Phoebe Waller-Bridge boarded as writer and exec producer, igniting hype for a fresh Tomb Raider tale. It’s been a rocky road since, but that initial spark still flickers.
Casting Spotlight on Sophie Turner
November 2024 brought news of Turner negotiating for Lara Croft, with her May 2025 workout pics hinting she’s all in. Her blend of grit and wit feels tailor-made for the role.
Those Pesky Cancellation Rumors
April 2025 saw wild claims of the project tanking after massive spends and no scripts—swiftly denied by producers. The denial held, but the uncertainty? It lingers like a bad artifact curse.
Tone and Vibe Teases from Reddit
Scoops suggest a 1990s-inspired adventure with Lara as an established explorer, aiming for The Mummy’s playful energy. Intriguing shift from origin stories, promising fun over formula.
The Latest Filming Pushback
From a hoped-for August/September 2025 start, it’s now Q1 2026 per Production Weekly listings. Delays like this test patience, but hey, good raids take time.
