GameStop Rejects Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in Viral X Post

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Amazon MGM Studios revealed the first images of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider TV series on Thursday. While online reactions were varied, GameStop’s official X account was direct: “This is not Lara Croft.”

This is not Lara Croft

— GameStop (@gamestop) January 15, 2026

News sources like The Wrap described GameStop’s post as strange, noting that people were trying to figure out what the company meant with its critique. However, the message is pretty straightforward: a lot of gamers don’t believe actress Eiza González is a good fit for the role of Lara Croft, and GameStop is openly acknowledging that’s a common feeling.

Fans Push Back on Amazon’s Lara Croft

GameStop isn’t the only one unhappy with the new look for the famous video game character. Mark Kern, a former Blizzard developer who uses the name Grummz on X (formerly Twitter), was quick to respond to Amazon’s announcement, simply stating, “Oh no.”

Oh no….

— Grummz (@Grummz) January 15, 2026

The photo Amazon released showed the actress in Lara Croft’s classic teal top, amber sunglasses, and with dual pistols. However, many people commented that she didn’t have the athletic build or figure typically associated with the character. YouTuber The Critical Drinker pointed out that while the costume was accurate, the actress simply looked like someone dressing up as Lara Croft.

What sets the GameStop criticism apart is that it’s not from a regular user, but from the official GameStop corporate account – and this account has a past record of similar behavior.

Why GameStop’s Opinion Matters

GameStop is facing tough times and is closing many stores, but the brand still holds a special place for many gamers. Similar to the iconic character Lara Croft, GameStop evokes feelings of nostalgia, reminding people of a time when gaming involved exciting midnight releases, physical game copies, and a strong sense of community. This emotional connection gives GameStop a unique level of trust and influence that others – like reporters, online personalities, or competing companies – can’t easily match.

This isn’t the first time GameStop’s social media account has jumped into conversations about popular culture. Last fall, when PlayStation announced Halo would now be available on their console (after being exclusive to Xbox), GameStop playfully thanked former President Trump for supposedly ending the rivalry between the gaming systems. The post quickly became popular, with people from different political viewpoints sharing jokes and memes about it.

GameStop isn’t afraid to take risks online, even if its ideas are controversial, because the company has little to lose by doing so.

What It Really Means

For a lot of people, Tomb Raider is more than just a video game series, and Lara Croft isn’t just a character—she represents a whole generation. Whether or not Alicia Vikander succeeds in the role will come down to her acting and the quality of the movie, not what she wears or what people say online.

This situation is compelling because it highlights the conflict between traditional gaming and the way franchises are being updated today. By disagreeing with Amazon’s plans—though the issue isn’t with Turner personally—GameStop is presenting itself as a protector of genuine gaming experiences. In a business world where companies often avoid conflict, GameStop is speaking up for longtime fans who feel unheard.

How do you feel about GameStop’s response to Amazon’s Lara Croft? Sound off in the comments!

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2026-01-16 23:57