Sophie Turner: From the Winter of Westeros to the Jungles of Tomb Raider

For nearly a decade, we watched her grow up as Sansa Stark, the “Little Bird” of Winterfell who learned to survive a world of dragons and backstabbing kings. But today, Sophie Turner is no longer just a survivor—she’s a powerhouse.

At 29 years old, Turner is stepping into one of the most iconic roles in gaming history: Lara Croft. As she trades the icy corridors of Game of Thrones for the high-octane stunts of the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Tomb Raider, fans are eager to see how she navigates her next chapter. This isn’t just a career shift; it’s a total transformation.

1. The New Face of Lara Croft: Stepping into Big Boots

The news that Sophie Turner is Lara Croft sent shockwaves through the industry in late 2024. Following in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, Turner is set to lead the live-action series created by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag).

• Intense Preparation: To prepare for the role, Sophie has been training up to eight hours a day, five days a week.

• The Vision: Unlike previous iterations, this series promises a modern spin on the archaeologist’s origins.

• A “Fierce” Model: Turner recently told People that she views Lara as a “fierce female role model” who emboldens women in a male-dominated world.

Production officially kicked off in January 2026, with first-look images showing Turner in the classic tank top and red sunglasses, ready for action.

2. Early Life: The Girl from the English Countryside

Before the red carpets, Sophie Belinda Turner lived a quiet life in Northampton, England. Born on February 21, 1996, her childhood was filled with mud, barns, and pigsties near Leamington Spa.

• Zodiac Sign: Pisces

• Parents: Sally (a nursery teacher) and Andrew (a distribution manager).

• Siblings: She has two older brothers, James and Will.

• Trivia: Sophie had a twin who sadly died in utero, a fact she says has influenced her attraction to roles involving twins or dual identities (like Another Me).

3. The “Game of Thrones” Phenomenon

Casting directors discovered Sophie when she was just 13. Her drama teacher encouraged her to audition for Sansa Stark, and the rest is television history.

For eight seasons, Turner portrayed Sansa’s evolution from a naive dreamer to the Queen in the North. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination in 2019 and solidified her status as a global star.

“Sansa was my education. I learned everything about acting, and about life, on that set.” — Sophie Turner

4. Behind the Scenes: Health and Resilience

Despite her meteoric rise, life hasn’t always been easy. Sophie has been incredibly vocal about her mental health condition, specifically her struggles with depression and anxiety that began during her teenage years on Game of Thrones.

• The Social Media Toll: Constant criticism of her appearance led to body image issues.

• Advocacy: She credits therapy and medication for her recovery and now uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

• Recent Growth: Ahead of her 30th birthday, she shared that she’s been doing “a hell of a lot of therapy” to better understand herself.

5. Personal Life: Joe Jonas and the Divorce Settlement

Perhaps the most searched question recently is: What actually happened with Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner?

The pair began dating in 2016 after Joe “slid into her DMs.” They had a whirlwind romance, featuring a surprise Las Vegas wedding in 2019 followed by a formal ceremony in France. However, in September 2023, the world was shocked when Joe Jonas filed for divorce.

The Custody Agreement

The split became highly publicized due to a dispute over where their children should live.

• Sophie Turner’s Kids: She has two daughters, Willa (born 2020) and Delphine (born 2022).

• Who has custody? After mediation, they reached a settlement in late 2024. They now share joint custody, with the children splitting time between the US and the UK.

6. Sophie Turner: At a Glance (Vital Stats)

7. Career Beyond the North

Sophie’s filmography proves she is more than just a one-hit wonder. She successfully transitioned to the big screen with major franchises and gritty indies:

• X-Men Series: She took on the mantle of Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix.

• Joan (2024): A gritty mini-series where she played a real-life jewel thief, earning rave reviews for her range.

• Trust (2025): An R-rated thriller on Paramount+ that showcases her move into more adult, psychological storytelling.

• Steal (2026): Her latest heist thriller where she plays an office worker caught in a high-stakes crime.

8. Legacy and Future Outlook

Sophie Turner is at a fascinating crossroads. She is transitioning from a “child star” of a massive ensemble into a leading lady who can carry her own franchise.

Her choice to work with creators like Phoebe Waller-Bridge suggests she is looking for roles that are intellectually stimulating and physically demanding. As Lara Croft, she has the chance to redefine a legendary character for a new generation—much like she did for Sansa Stark.

Predictor: What’s Next?

In the next five years, expect Sophie to move into producing. She has already expressed a desire to shape stories from behind the camera. With the Tomb Raider series likely to span multiple seasons, she will be the face of action-adventure for the late 2020s.

Summary Table: The Journey of Sophie Turner

Sources

1. Amazon Prime Video – Official Casting Announcement (2024).

2. People Magazine – Interview with Sophie Turner on Lara Croft (Jan 2026).

3. Vogue UK – Sophie Turner on Divorce and Resilience (May 2024).

4. Celebrity Net Worth – Sophie Turner Profile (Updated 2025).

5. Entertainment Weekly – Jonas and Turner Settlement Details (Sept 2024).