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New cast member joins Sophie Turner in Tomb Raider live-action series
Amazon MGM has confirmed the second principal cast member for its highly anticipated Tomb Raider live-action series: rising British actor Martin Babb-Semple will join Sophie Turner, who is already set to headline as Lara Croft. The casting news, first reported by industry outlets, signals that Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation is moving steadily from development into full production mode, with filming slated to begin on January 19, 2026.
Who is Martin Babb-Semple?
Though the production is keeping his character under wraps, Babb-Semple is described as joining the show as a series regular in a key role. The young actor has been building momentum with credits on CW’s All American: Homecoming—where his Orlando Johnson character progressed from guest to main cast—and earlier turns in Peacock’s One of Us Is Lying and Netflix’s Free Rein. A West End alum who trained at the Identity School of Acting and cut his teeth on BBC television, Babb-Semple represents the new wave of British talent increasingly visible in high-profile streaming projects.
Creative team and production timeline
Tomb Raider’s small but notable creative team includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge as creator, writer, and executive producer, alongside Chad Hodge as co-showrunner and executive producer. Jonathan van Tulleken is attached to direct and serve as an executive producer. Prime Video officially greenlit the series in May 2024 after several years of development with Story Kitchen—Waller-Bridge’s production outfit—continuing its first-look relationship with Amazon MGM.
The series is a co-production between Story Kitchen, Crystal Dynamics (the studio behind the Tomb Raider games), Wells Street Productions, Legendary Television, and Amazon MGM Studios. Production companies and rights-holders have hinted the series could be the start of a broader expansion: more TV and movie projects set in the Tomb Raider universe are reportedly part of the long-term plan.
Context: Where this fits in the rise of game-to-screen adaptations
Tomb Raider arrives at a moment when adaptations of video games to premium television are under the microscope—The Last of Us set a high bar for narrative fidelity and emotional depth, while movies like Uncharted navigated blockbuster spectacle. With Waller-Bridge at the creative helm, Amazon appears to be aiming for a blend of character-driven drama and cinematic adventure—a hybrid that could distinguish this series from both straight-action franchises and lighter streaming fare.
Fans should expect a show that leans into Lara Croft’s psychology as much as her physical quests. Crystal Dynamics’ involvement suggests the adaptation will respect core franchise elements while allowing writers to expand backstory and interpersonal dynamics.
"This casting choice signals Amazon's intent to balance star power with emerging talent," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "Pairing Sophie Turner with a grounded British actor like Martin Babb-Semple suggests the series will aim for emotional stakes as well as set-piece adventure."
What to watch for
Look out for further casting announcements in the coming months, plus official details on whether the show will follow a single-game storyline or weave elements from multiple Tomb Raider titles. Given Waller-Bridge’s track record for sharp dialogue and complicated characters, viewers can reasonably expect a version of Lara Croft with more interior life than some previous screen incarnations.
For fans of the games, and for viewers drawn to character-led prestige TV, Tomb Raider is shaping up to be one of the next big streaming tentpoles. Filming starts January 19, 2026—mark your calendars.
In short: Amazon Prime Video is assembling an intriguing mix of talent and IP stewardship. Whether the series becomes a new benchmark for game adaptations depends on how effectively it balances the franchise’s adventurous DNA with the intimate storytelling Waller-Bridge is known for.
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