Sophie Turner recently shared surprising health news. The actress opened up about discovering a chronic back condition during her demanding preparation for the 'Tomb Raider' series.
Intense Training Reveals Hidden Issue
Turner committed to an extremely rigorous training schedule to transform into Lara Croft. She trained for eight hours every day, five days each week. This intense regimen began in February 2025.
The process proved particularly challenging for Turner. She had no prior fitness experience before taking on this role. "I've learned I have a perpetual back problem," Turner revealed during an interview on The Julia Cunningham Show.
She explained the difficulties she faced. "But I also realized that it's much easier to build muscle if you've ever worked out before in your life, which I never had, so it has taken me months and months and months to get into good shape. That's what I've learned."
A Different Kind of Role
Turner contrasted this physically demanding role with her past characters. "I also just was the one that got beat up, not the one doing the beating," she added during the same interview. "So it's quite nice to learn how to throw a punch and not just take it!"
The actress is best known for playing Sansa Stark in the massively popular 'Game of Thrones' series. Her transition to action heroine represents a significant shift in her career.
Stepping Into Iconic Boots
Turner now takes on the legendary role of Lara Croft in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's upcoming series. First-look images have already generated excitement among fans.
The photos show Turner perfectly capturing Croft's classic 1990s appearance. She wears a teal tank top with matching shorts, complete with holsters. Her hair appears in a practical ponytail, and she sports distinctive red-tinted sunglasses.
This new project continues the live-action legacy of the Tomb Raider franchise. Previous films featured Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in the iconic role.
Star-Studded Production
The series boasts an impressive supporting cast. Several well-known actors join Turner in this adventure project.
- Sigourney Weaver
- Jason Isaacs
- Martin Bobb-Semple
- Jack Bannon
- John Heffernan
- Bill Paterson
- Paterson Joseph
- Sasha Luss
- Juliette Motamed
- Celia Imrie
- August Wittgenstein
Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves multiple creative roles for the series. She writes the scripts, executive produces the show, and co-showruns the production.
Turner's health revelation adds a personal dimension to her physical transformation. Her dedication to the role required pushing through unexpected physical challenges. Fans now await her performance with renewed interest following this candid disclosure about her training journey.
