Sophie Turner Reveals Chronic Back Problem Discovered During Intense 'Tomb Raider' Training

Sophie Turner has opened up about a chronic health condition she discovered while preparing for her role as Lara Croft in the live-action Tomb Raider series for Prime Video. On The Julia Cunningham Show, the Game of Thrones alum described her training as "eight hours a day, five days a week since February last year." She noted that the intensity revealed "a perpetual back problem, "adding that building muscle was challenging because she had never worked out regularly before.

Turner explained it took "months and months and months"to get into shape for the physically demanding role of the archaeologist-adventurer. Contrasting this with her time on Game of Thrones, where she played Sansa Stark, Turner said she was "the one that got beat up, not the one doing the beating, "and found it rewarding to learn "how to throw a punch and not just take it."

Prime Video released the first official look at Turner as Lara Croft on Thursday, January 15, 2026, showing her in combat gear with a gun at her thigh, prompting fan excitement on social media. Fans praised her transformation, with one X user writing, "My God… she looks like she stepped out of the games, "and another calling it "genuinely so striking." The series, currently in production, is created, written, and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also co-showruns with Chad Hodge.

Waller-Bridge expressed enthusiasm for the cast, stating, "Tomb Raider boasts a plethora of iconic characters. I am thrilled to have been able to bring some personal and fan favourites to the screen while also introducing a few new rascals of our own to the mix. This cast is beyond my wildest dreams!" The ensemble includes Sigourney Weaver as Evelyn Wallis, a high-flying woman exploiting Lara's talents; Jason Isaacs as uncle Atlas DeMornay; Celia Imrie as British Museum head Francine; and others like Martin Bobb-Semple, Jack Bannon, John Heffernan, Bill Paterson, Paterson Joseph, Sasha Luss, Juliette Motamed, and August Wittgenstein. Jonathan Van Tulleken directs and executive produces.

Turner voiced appreciation for television's potential for long-term character growth, saying, "I feel really lucky to have signed onto Tomb Raider and to have the opportunity to play a character over a certain number of episodes. .. let's hope that it does go on for years and years." The project follows Amazon's 2024 announcement of Waller-Bridge's involvement, with Turner cast later that year. Turner previously portrayed Lara Croft in films played by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander.

While the story centers on entertainment and health disclosure, no specific LGBTQ+ community responses or direct perspectives emerged in coverage from major outlets, though Waller-Bridge's inclusive storytelling in projects like Fleabag has resonated with diverse audiences, including LGBTQ+ viewers. Turner's candidness about her body and health may inspire discussions on physical demands in acting for people with chronic conditions. Production continues, with anticipation building for the series based on the video game franchise.