A change in hair color can do more than alter a familiar appearance. For an actor preparing to inhabit a well-known character, it can become an early expression of the transformation taking place behind the scenes. Sophie Turner offered a glimpse of that process at Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2027 show during Paris Fashion Week, where she appeared with dramatically darker hair that immediately distinguished her from her previous public looks.
The actor’s new chocolate-brown shade was a noticeable departure from the blonde and red tones that have defined different periods of her career. Styled in a sweeping Old Hollywood side part, the glossy brunette color brought a sense of classic glamour to her appearance. Subtle nude makeup kept the beauty look understated, allowing the hair transformation to remain the central focus.
The change arrives as Turner prepares to take on one of her most recognizable roles yet. She is set to portray Lara Croft in Amazon Prime’s upcoming Tomb Raider adaptation, scheduled to premiere in 2027. The adventurous archaeologist is widely associated with long, dark hair, often worn in a braid while exploring ancient sites and searching for lost artifacts. Turner’s new shade therefore feels closely aligned with the character she is preparing to bring to the screen.
She also joins a line of actors who have previously portrayed the iconic adventurer, including Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. Both actresses developed their own interpretations of Croft, but dark hair has remained one of the character’s most recognizable visual features. Turner’s transformation offers an early indication of how her portrayal may connect with that established image while allowing her to make the role her own.
Hair experimentation is hardly new for the actor. Throughout her career, Turner has moved between several shades, with some of her most memorable transformations linked to the characters she plays. Her portrayal of Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones was associated with rich copper-red hair, a look that became closely connected to the character’s visual identity. More recently, her work in the corporate thriller series Steal saw her adopt a striking bleach-blonde shade.
The current brunette look marks her third significant color change of 2026. In January, she wore honey-toned highlights, before moving toward a warmer auburn by February. Her latest transformation is the darkest shade she has publicly worn, creating a clear visual distinction from those earlier looks.
For her Paris Fashion Week appearance, Turner paired the new hair color with an outfit that stayed firmly within Louis Vuitton’s design language. Her coordinated leather ensemble came from the brand’s Resort 2027 collection, adding a strong, modern edge to the polished hairstyle. The combination of dark hair, leather and understated makeup created a confident look that felt appropriate for an actor stepping toward an action-driven role.
The Tomb Raider adaptation is being developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and features a cast that includes Sigourney Weaver and Bill Paterson. Production has already presented physical challenges for Turner, who reportedly performed many of her own stunts and sustained an injury earlier in the year, temporarily halting filming. Production has since resumed.
Although a hair color alone cannot reveal the full direction of a performance, Turner’s transformation suggests a willingness to embrace the physical and visual demands of Lara Croft. The rich brunette shade connects her to the character’s established image while marking a distinct departure from the looks audiences have come to associate with her.
As Turner moves into this new phase of her career, the change feels both practical and symbolic. Her latest appearance combines the elegance of Old Hollywood styling with the contemporary edge of Louis Vuitton, while her darker hair points toward a more adventurous role ahead. For an actor whose appearance has often evolved alongside her work, the brunette transformation offers an intriguing first glimpse of what comes next.
.jpg)
