Filming has officially begun for Children of Blood and Bone, the adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's acclaimed young adult fantasy novel. This film project, already generating significant buzz, is based on the first installment of Adeyemi's trilogy Legacy of Orïsha, which took the literary world by storm when it was released in 2018. The book spent weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and four years later, Paramount Pictures emerged victorious from fierce competition to secure the film rights. With the production kicking off, there’s hope it might hit theaters sooner than its planned release date of January 15, 2027.
The exciting news was shared by Adeyemi herself via Instagram, where she posted a photo of the director's chair adorned with the movie's title. "And…action," she captioned the post, creating palpable excitement among fans. The film will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, well known for her work on The Woman King and The Old Guard. Prince-Bythewood co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi, ensuring the original narrative's essence is preserved.
Set against the backdrop of West African folklore, Children of Blood and Bone tells the story of Zélie Adebola, played by Thuso Mbedu, who embarks on a quest to restore magic to the Kingdom of Orïsha after it has been eradicated by a tyrannical king. This king not only stripped Zélie’s people of their magical abilities but was also responsible for her mother’s death. On her mission for vengeance, she faces off against the king’s son, Prince, portrayed by Damson Idris, who seeks to maintain the status quo of magic’s demise.
Adeyemi's tale does not just focus on Zélie’s fight against oppression but also explores complex themes of love and self-discovery. The film features stellar performances from actors including Chiwetel Ejiofor (playing the villainous King), Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, and Amandla Stenberg, among others, representing the depth and richness of the story's world.
Meanwhile, if you’re yearning for thrills, look no farther than Paramount Plus, where you can stream Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Released theatrically on December 18, 2023, this action-comedy continues the beloved franchise’s adventure with Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, alongside new challenges presented by the character Shadow, voiced by Keanu Reeves.
Returning audiences who missed the big screen debut can now dash over to stream Sonic 3 on Paramount Plus. The film received favorable reviews, boasting 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, and connects seamlessly to the storylines established not just within its cinematic universe but also within the prior Paramount Plus series centering on Knuckles.
Sonic 3 is available to stream now for U.S. and Canadian viewers, with international release details yet to be announced. Paramount Plus offers two subscription plans: Essential and Paramount Plus with Showtime, catering to different viewing preferences.
Paramount is also set to enthrall audiences with another upcoming release—Novocaine. Today, they announced national early access screenings for this action-packed film, set to hit theaters widely on March 14, 2025. Fans will have the chance to attend the “Early Access Adrenaline Rush Preview” on March 8, when over 1,200 theaters across the U.S. and Canada will give audiences their first glimpse of this highly anticipated title.
Adding to the excitement, the “Feel It IN” advance screenings is scheduled for March 12, presented exclusively in premium formats like 4DX and D-Box for those craving immersive cinematic experiences. If you’re among the lucky attendees of the advance screenings, you’ll also receive a limited-edition collector’s print as part of the event.
Chris Aronson, Paramount Pictures’ President of Domestic Distribution, emphasized the importance of experiencing this film with friends, stating, "This is a fresh, fun, action-packed original movie..." This demonstrates Paramount's commitment to enriching the cinematic experience and creating memorable events around its releases.
Novocaine follows Nate, played by Jack Quaid, who discovers his unique ability to feel no pain becomes his greatest asset when the girl of his dreams is kidnapped. This narrative twist promises to engross audiences, possibly establishing the film as yet another standout title for Paramount Pictures.
With such a dynamic array of films and streaming series lined up, Paramount Pictures continues to be at the helm of exciting adaptations and engaging storytelling for audiences worldwide.