Following Prime Video's first-look image release signaling production start on its Tomb Raider TV series, Sophie Turner has revealed a chronic back problem discovered during nearly a year of intense training for her role as Lara Croft. The actress shared the challenges and unexpected benefits of her preparation while expressing excitement for the multi-episode project.
Sophie Turner, known for Game of Thrones, detailed her health discovery in an interview on The Julia Cunningham Show, just days after Prime Video unveiled the first official image of her as Lara Croft and confirmed production has begun.
The 29-year-old underwent rigorous training—up to eight hours a day, five days a week since February 2025—which uncovered an underlying issue. "I learned I have a perpetual back problem," she said. However, she found a positive: "I also realised that it's much easier to kind of build muscle if you've never worked out before in your life, which I never had." The process was demanding: "So, it's taken me months and months and months to get into good shape."
Turner plays the iconic video game character in the series, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She voiced enthusiasm: "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." A TV fan, she added, "I love TV, I love doing TV because you do get to develop, and develop over potentially years and years." She hopes for longevity: "Let's hope that it does go on for years and years."
Her revelations highlight the physical demands of action roles and her dedication to the project.