Gina Prince-Bythewood’s much-anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone has unveiled its principal cast. Thuso Mbedu will take on the role of Zélie, Amandla Stenberg as Amari, Damson Idris as Inan, and Tosin Cole as Tzain.
The cast also boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning talent. Viola Davis will play Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Admiral Kaea, Idris Elba stars as Lekan, Lashana Lynch as Jumoke, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran.
Talks are ongoing with Regina King for the role of Queen Nehanda, while Diaana Babnicova and Bukky Bakray are in negotiations to join as Folake and Binta, respectively. Additional casting will include talent from an open casting call for actors in Nigeria.
Directed by Prince-Bythewood, the film is set in the richly imagined world of Orïsha, an African fantasy kingdom where magic has been violently stripped from its people. Zélie, with the help of her brother and two royal siblings, embarks on a journey to reclaim the magic and stand against the oppressive rule of King Saran.
“I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orïsha to life,” Prince-Bythewood shared in a statement. “Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”
The movie, set to release on 15 January, 2027, in IMAX, will begin production in South Africa in the coming weeks. Adeyemi and Prince-Bythewood collaborated on the screenplay, while Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment, and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures are producing. Adeyemi and Reggie Rock Bythewood will serve as executive producers.
The rights to the Children of Blood and Bone trilogy were acquired by Paramount Pictures in a heated bidding war, led by Brian Robbins, President & CEO of Paramount Pictures, alongside Motion Picture Group Presidents Daria Cercek and Mike Ireland.
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