Quick Read
- Sophie Turner has been cast as Lara Croft in the new Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Tomb Raider’ series, with filming expected to begin in early 2026.
- She recently denied dating rumors, confirming in a January 2026 interview that she is currently single and focused on work and family.
- Turner is open to reprising her role as Sansa Stark in a ‘Game of Thrones’ sequel, but expressed satisfaction with her character’s original ending.
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the creator and co-showrunner for the ‘Tomb Raider’ series, which also features Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs.
- George R.R. Martin has hinted at multiple ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off projects, including potential sequels.
Sophie Turner, the actress who captivated audiences as Sansa Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’, is once again at the epicenter of Hollywood’s most anticipated projects and pervasive rumors. As 2026 unfolds, Turner is not only embarking on a monumental new role but is also openly confronting the relentless speculation surrounding her personal life, all while keeping the door ajar for a return to the world of Westeros. It’s a testament to her evolving career and her increasing comfort in defining her own narrative amidst the clamor.
The New Lara Croft: A Bold Adventure Awaits
The most significant news anchoring Turner’s current trajectory is her casting as the iconic adventurer Lara Croft in the forthcoming ‘Tomb Raider’ series from Amazon MGM Studios. This role, previously brought to life by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, marks a pivotal moment in Turner’s career, positioning her at the helm of a beloved, action-packed franchise. The announcement, confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios, has generated considerable excitement among fans eager to see her interpretation of the intrepid archaeologist.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known for her groundbreaking work on ‘Fleabag’, is spearheading the series as its creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. This creative team promises a fresh, nuanced take on the ‘Tomb Raider’ universe, suggesting that Turner’s Lara Croft will likely embody both the physical prowess and complex emotional depth that defines the character. Waller-Bridge expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “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 cast joining Turner is equally impressive, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Sigourney Weaver is set to play Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious, high-flying woman keen to exploit Lara’s talents, while Jason Isaacs will portray Atlas DeMornay, Lara’s uncle. Other confirmed cast members include Martin Bobb-Semple as Zip, Bill Paterson as Winston, Lara’s long-standing butler, Celia Imrie as Francine, and Paterson Joseph as Thomas Warner, among others. The sheer talent assembled for this series underscores Amazon MGM Studios’ commitment to delivering a high-quality adaptation of the video game franchise.
Filming for the series is slated to commence in early 2026, with no official release date announced yet. This project represents a significant leap for Turner, allowing her to showcase a different facet of her acting capabilities, moving beyond the dramatic intricacies of courtly intrigue to the thrilling world of archaeological exploration and high-stakes adventure. It’s a role that demands both physical intensity and a nuanced understanding of a character deeply embedded in pop culture lore.
Navigating the Spotlight: Romance, Privacy, and Public Scrutiny
While her professional life is soaring, Turner’s personal life remains a constant subject of public fascination and speculation. In late 2025, rumors began circulating that she was dating Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, following their respective recent breakups. Us Weekly reported in November 2025 that the two had “gone out on a few dates” in London, bonding over their British roots and shared love of music. Sources suggested a “definite spark” and a long-standing mutual admiration, with Turner reportedly having a “bit of a crush” on Martin even during her previous marriage.
However, in an interview published on January 5, 2026, Turner directly addressed these rumors, offering a clear and somewhat poignant perspective on her current relationship status. Speaking to Porter, she stated, “I mean, I haven’t seen my friends or gone on a date in weeks, months! I just sack off parts of my life sometimes. I only have the capacity for work and family right now. But I’m working on it. I’ll get there.” Her statement effectively dispelled the notion of a budding romance with Martin, asserting her focus on her career and her two daughters, 5-year-old Willa and 3-year-old Delphine, whom she shares with ex-husband Joe Jonas.
Turner’s candor highlights the immense pressure and often inaccurate narratives that can emerge from the “total fishbowl” of celebrity life. She openly admitted the struggle of navigating public perception, where “people take so much as fact these days. Any article that comes out, people go, ‘Right, that must have happened.’” This sentiment underscores the challenge many public figures face in maintaining their privacy and controlling their own story, especially when silence, often the best strategy for letting rumors fade, can feel like being “gagged” and unable to “stand up for yourself ever.”
Her previous high-profile marriage to Joe Jonas concluded with their divorce finalized in 2024. Before that, she had a brief relationship with British aristocrat Peregrine Pearson, which reportedly ended in September 2025 due to “conflicting personalities,” according to Us Weekly. Martin, too, has recently navigated significant personal changes, parting ways with actress Dakota Johnson in June 2025 after nearly eight years. He also shares two children, Apple and Moses, with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, with whom he maintains a famously amicable co-parenting relationship since their “conscious uncoupling” in 2014. These parallel life events perhaps fueled the public’s desire to see a new connection form, illustrating how much celebrity narratives are often shaped by collective hopes and assumptions rather than verified facts.
Westeros Echoes: Sansa Stark’s Legacy and Future Possibilities
Beyond the present and immediate future, the shadow of Westeros continues to loom large over Sophie Turner’s career. Her portrayal of Sansa Stark, a character who evolved from a naive noble girl into the formidable Queen in the North, remains one of the most celebrated arcs in ‘Game of Thrones’. Unlike many of her former castmates, Turner has consistently expressed satisfaction with Sansa’s ending, where her character ultimately secured the North’s independence and ascended to a position of power.
Despite her contentment with the conclusion, the possibility of reprising her role as Sansa Stark in a ‘Game of Thrones’ sequel series is a question she’s often asked. When prompted about a potential return, Turner’s response has been both playful and pragmatic: “Show me the money,” she laughingly told The Direct. This quip, while lighthearted, subtly acknowledges the value of her iconic role and the significant commitment such a return would entail.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ universe, as envisioned by creator George R.R. Martin, is far from dormant. The success of the prequel series ‘House of the Dragon’ and the imminent launch of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ demonstrate HBO’s ongoing investment in Westeros. Martin himself hinted at the Iceland Noir Festival in November 2025 that several other spin-off projects are in various stages of development, including both prequels like ‘Aegon’s Conquest’ and ‘10,000 Ships’, and potentially sequel series that could explore the aftermath of the main saga. While no specific sequel featuring Sansa Stark has been confirmed, Martin’s comments keep the door open for such possibilities, allowing fans to dream of a future where the Queen in the North might once again grace their screens.
For Turner, a return would be “hard” because she was genuinely happy with how Sansa’s story concluded. Yet, the allure of revisiting a character so deeply ingrained in her own history, and in the fabric of modern television, remains a compelling prospect. It’s a delicate balance between honoring a character’s completed journey and exploring new narratives that could further enrich their legacy.
Sophie Turner stands at a fascinating juncture, masterfully pivoting between a blockbuster new franchise role, a carefully guarded personal life, and the enduring pull of her career-defining performance. Her journey reflects a modern celebrity’s quest for agency: actively shaping her professional destiny with ambitious projects like ‘Tomb Raider’ while also asserting control over her personal narrative in an era of incessant public scrutiny.