Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, And More To Star In Gina Prince-Bythewood's 'Children Of Blood And Bone' For Paramount Pictures
Gina Prince-Bythewood is bringing one of our fiction fan-favorites to life in her film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s debut and New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, Children of Blood and Bone (2018)—the first literary installment of the “Legacy of Orïsha” trilogy. The film, to be released by Paramount Pictures, features a star-studded cast, including Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, and Tosin Cole. The young adult romantic fantasy novel follows Zélie (Mbedu) and her older brother Tzain (Cole) as they team up with Princess Amari (Stenberg) and Prince Inan (Idris), the king’s children, to rebel against his oppressive reign.
The screenplay for ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ is co-written by Gina Prince-Bythewood and Tomi Adeyemi, with Prince-Bythewood directing and Adeyemi serving as an executive producer alongside Reggie Rock Bythewood. The film is produced by Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen (Temple Hill Entertainment), Karen Rosenfelt (Sunswept Entertainment), and Matt Jackson (Jackson Pictures), and is expected to be released January 15, 2027 in Imax.
Additional star features include award winners, Viola Davis as Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea, Idris Elba as Lekan, Lashana Lynch as Jumoke, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran. Reportedly, Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray are in talks to join the cast as Queen Nehanda, Folake, and Binta, respectively. An open casting call for actors living in Nigeria will soon announce additional cast members, adding to the film's rich cultural tapestry and bringing 'Children of Blood and Bone' to life with even greater authenticity. Production is scheduled to start in South Africa in the coming weeks.
Prince-Bythewood shared her excitement about the film, stating, "I am deeply honored and thrilled to bring Tomi’s Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orisha to life. Our extraordinary ensemble represents the richness of the diaspora—this is where our magic lies."
With its exceptional ensemble cast, visionary direction, and captivating story, ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ promises to be an extraordinary cinematic experience that audiences won’t want to miss.
‘Children of Blood and Bone’ debuts January 15, 2027.
–Dominique Young
