A notable week for gaming productions at Hollywood!

The intersection of gaming and cinematic storytelling is heating up in 2025, with major studios doubling down on beloved franchises. From Lara Croft’s return to the silver screen to the long-awaited Call of Duty adaptation, here’s a breakdown of the biggest moves in gaming-based TV and film productions:

Sophie Turner Confirmed as Lara Croft in Amazon’s Tomb Raider Series

Amazon Prime Video has officially cast Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in its upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series. This marks the first television adaptation of the iconic Core Design franchise, following Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander’s film portrayals.

Production Start: January 19, 2026
Creative Team:
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) – Creator, Writer, Executive Producer
- Chad Hodge – Co-showrunner
- Jonathan van Tulleken (Shōgun) – Director
Studio Backing: Amazon MGM Studios, Crystal Dynamics, Story Kitchen, Legendary Television

Turner expressed her excitement: “She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many – and I am giving everything I’ve got”. Waller-Bridge promises “fresh adventures” while honoring Lara’s legacy.

Mortal Kombat II Delayed to Summer 2026

Warner Bros. has officially pushed Mortal Kombat II from its original October 2025 release to May 15, 2026. Despite the delay, hype remains strong—its red-band trailer shattered records with 107 million views in 24 hours.

Reason for Delay: Strategic move to capitalize on summer box office success, avoiding crowded fall competition
Cast Highlights:
- Karl Urban as Johnny Cage
- Adeline Rudolph as Kitana
- Hiroyuki Sanada, Joe Taslim, Jessica McNamee, and more returning
Director: Simon McQuoid
Writer: Jeremy Slater

Merchandise is already rolling out, including Funko Pops and McFarlane Toys, keeping fans engaged while they await the blood-soaked sequel.

Paramount Confirms Call of Duty Movie—But Spielberg Was Rejected

After years of speculation, Paramount and Activision have confirmed a live-action Call of Duty movie is in development. The project promises to honor the franchise’s gritty realism and global appeal, with over 500 million copies sold to date.

Studio: Paramount (now merged with Skydance)
Scope: Live-action feature film, with potential for a cinematic universe
Creative Direction: Inspired by Top Gun: Maverick’s disciplined production model

But here’s the twist: Steven Spielberg reportedly pitched to direct the film, citing his love for the franchise and his legacy in war cinema (Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers). However, Activision declined his proposal due to his demand for full creative control, final cut, and marketing oversight—terms that “spooked” the publisher.

Instead, Activision opted for a partnership with Paramount that allows them greater influence over the adaptation. While Spielberg’s vision might have leaned toward emotional depth and historical gravitas, Paramount seems poised to deliver a blockbuster-style spectacle.

With Turner stepping into Lara’s boots, Mortal Kombat II sharpening its blades for a summer showdown, and Call of Duty finally breaching Hollywood’s frontlines, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gaming IPs in film and television. The tension between creative freedom and brand control—exemplified by Spielberg’s rejected pitch—underscores the high stakes of adapting beloved franchises.