GameStop criticized the new Lara Croft portrayed by Sophie Turner.

Casting and the actress's portrayal have sparked debate among fans and video game industry representatives.

This week, Amazon Prime Video revealed the first-look image of the upcoming series Tomb Raider featuring Sophie Turner as Lara Croft. The image showcases the heroine's costume, designed by the creators as a nod to the iconic outfit with short shorts and a crop top familiar to gamers since 1996.

Reaction from Fans and the Industry

The audience's initial reaction to the reveal has been largely positive. Many noted that Turner managed to convey the adventurous spirit, intelligence, and fearlessness of Lara Croft that made the character popular. However, disagreements also arose regarding the character's visual appearance.

Major video game retailer GameStop issued a sharp and brief statement on Twitter: "This is not Lara Croft." The company did not specify the reasons behind the comment, but its publication ignited a lively discussion among users and media outlets.

Divergent Approaches to Lara's Image

Much of the criticism, as with previous video game adaptations, has focused on the actress's physical attributes. In the original games, Lara Croft was depicted in a stylized and exaggerated manner, emphasizing idealized proportions and dramatic flair. Turner's version is oriented toward realism: the focus is on physical conditioning, athleticism, and the character's personality, rather than fantastical proportions.

Defense of the Actress and Future Plans

Following GameStop's comment, many fans came to Sophie Turner's defense, labeling the retailer's reaction as tactless. Filming for the series continues, with a tentative premiere date set for 2027. The new project promises to offer a modern and more grounded take on Lara Croft while preserving the spirit of adventure beloved by the video game audience.