Sophie Turner Credits Grandfather For X-Men Role 

Sophie Turner reveals how her grandfather’s wedding ring helped her land Jean Grey.

Sophie Turner’s X-Men Role 

Can a piece of jewelry change the trajectory of a career? For Sophie Turner, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

During a January 7, 2026, appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Game of Thrones alumna revealed that her entry into the Marvel universe was paved by a lucky charm from the past: her late grandfather’s wedding ring.

Turner received the ring of her “total hero,” Robert Jesse Cotton, just weeks before her 2016 screen test for X-Men: Apocalypse.

Clinging to the talisman for luck, she landed the role of Jean Grey—a character she would inhabit for years.

“I give it up to Robert Jesse Cotton,” she told the audience, pointing to the sky in a poignant moment of gratitude.

The Lara Croft Evolution

While the ring provided the luck, 2026 is all about the work. Turner has spent the last year undergoing a rigorous physical transformation for her role as the new Lara Croft.

This newfound power was on full display during her interview when she challenged Jimmy Fallon to a “thumb wrestle.”

• The “Smoke”: Turner warned Fallon he didn’t want “this smoke” before swiftly defeating him.
• The Strength: The moment served as a light-hearted demonstration of the training she has been undergoing since February 2025.
• The Personality: It showcased a Turner who is playful, competitive, and clearly enjoying her physical prime.

A 30th Birthday Reset

Turning 30 on February 21, 2026, marks a massive personal milestone for Turner.

Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the premiere of Game of Thrones, this year feels like a deliberate “reset.”

Following her public split from Joe Jonas in September 2023, Turner has been vocal about using therapy as a tool to rebuild her sense of self.

“I want to enter this new chapter really confident in myself,” she told CBS Mornings.

This confidence is manifesting in her choice of projects, specifically the leading role in the Prime Video series Steal.

No longer the “Young Wolf” or the “Queen in the North,” Turner is positioning herself as a leading lady with a refined, mature edge.

The Modern Resilience of Sophie Turner

What makes Turner’s current trajectory unique is her refusal to hide the “messy” parts of growth.

Most child stars attempt to pivot into adulthood by being “edgy.” Turner is pivoting by being transparent.

• The Therapy Narrative: By openly discussing her “hell of a lot of therapy,” she is de-stigmatizing the recovery process for an audience that grew up alongside her.
• The Legacy Connection: Her reliance on her grandfather’s memory highlights a person who values roots over the fleeting nature of Hollywood fame.
• The Action Pivot: Stepping into the shoes of Lara Croft is a calculated risk—taking on a beloved, highly physical icon at a time when she feels most “ready” in her own skin.

Advice for Navigating Fame

Turner’s recent appearances offer a blueprint for surviving the “Post-Child Star” era:

1. Embrace the “Lucky” Narrative. Don’t pretend you did it all on your own. Acknowledging “luck” or “divine intervention” from a loved one makes a superstar feel relatable and grounded.
2. Use Late Night for “Show, Don’t Tell.” Instead of telling people you are strong enough to play Lara Croft, beat the host in a thumb war. It’s memorable, funny, and proves the point without a workout montage.
3. Celebrate the Anniversary, then Move On. Marking the 15th year of Thrones is important for the fans, but Turner is wisely focusing the conversation on Steal and Tomb Raider to ensure she isn’t trapped in the shadow of Sansa Stark forever.

The Horizon

As she approaches her thirtieth year, Sophie Turner appears to have shed the anxieties of her twenties.

With a lucky ring on her hand and a year of ” Croft training” under her belt, she is entering 2026 not just as a survivor of the Hollywood machine but as its newest, most confident engine.

Key Takeaways:

• Sophie Turner credits her grandfather’s ring for landing the role of Jean Grey.
• She turns 30 in February 2026, marking a milestone year for the actress.
• Extensive therapy and physical training for Lara Croft define her current chapter.
• Leading roles in Steal and Tomb Raider signal a major career expansion.