Gina Prince-Bythewood’s film adaptation of the acclaimed novel Children of Blood and Bone has officially announced its principal cast, solidifying high expectations for this highly anticipated project. The film adaptation, based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel, will see Thuso Mbedu star as Zélie—a young woman who embarks on a powerful quest to reclaim the magic stolen from her people. She will be joined by Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari, Damson Idris portraying Prince Inan, and Tosin Cole as Zélie's brother, Tzain.
Paramount Pictures has set the release date for January 15, 2027, and the film is poised to make its debut in IMAX. Prince-Bythewood, who recently garnered acclaim for her work on The Woman King, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orisha to life. Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”
Joining the principal cast are several high-profile actors, including Academy Award winner Viola Davis as Mama Agba; critically acclaimed Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea; and Idris Elba as Lekan. The role of the tyrannical King Saran will be played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Also confirmed are Lashana Lynch as Jumoke and additional roles by Regina King, who is currently in negotiations to play Queen Nehanda, along with Diaana Babnicova and Bukky Bakray as Folake and Binta, respectively.
The adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is set against the backdrop of an African fantasy kingdom, where Zélie—and her brother Tzain—battle against the oppressive regime of King Saran, bent on eradicaitng magic and maintaining his brutal rule. The core story follows their alliance with Princess Amari and Prince Iman, both of whom are pivotal to the fight for liberation.
Adeyemi’s original novel, published in 2018, achieved significant success, including spending weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and becoming part of the acclaimed Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. The author, inspired by her West African roots, has created a richly layered narrative infused with social commentary relevant to modern society. “The first layer is this epic story, but on the second layer, there’s this allegory for the modern Black experience,” Adeyemi stated during interviews prior to the novel’s release.
Production for the film is set to commence soon in South Africa, with additional casting opportunities for actors living within Nigeria continuing to emerge, aimed at reflecting the cultural authenticity of the source material. This open casting call is particularly significant, as the story is rooted strongly within Nigerian spirituality and mythology. Adeyemi has emphasized the importance of casting actors who share this cultural heritage as she continues to manifest her vision for the film.
The acquisition of the film rights to Children of Blood and Bone was no small feat, with Paramount Pictures securing them through competitive bidding. Initially pursued by Fox 2000 Pictures prior to the book's release, the rights shifted hands several times before landing with Paramount. The studio has remained committed to realizing Adeyemi’s vision, with key figures such as co-presidents Daria Cercek and Mike Ireland playing instrumental roles throughout the process.
The combination of Prince-Bythewood’s direction, Adeyemi's involvement as both co-writer and executive producer, and the diverse ensemble cast has generated considerable buzz. Film analysts and fans alike are eager to see how the cinematic interpretation will capture the magic and societal themes present within the source material.
The board has been laid out for this compelling tale to come alive, and with the anticipation building up to the film's 2027 release, it is clear the adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is set to make waves—both as a film and as a cultural touchstone.