Paramount Pictures is adapting Tomi Adeyemi’s young adult fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone into a film. Last month, the author took to TikTok to tell the whole world that the film had been cast. And I’ll just go ahead and say it: this cast is stacked. It looks like the film is really coming together, and it’s time to add this one to our list of highly-anticipated book-to-screen adaptations. But who is going to be in the movie? When will it start filming? When can we watch it? Here’s what we know so far!
Children of Blood and Bone is the first book in Tomi Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. It’s a West African-inspired fantasy story following heroine Zélie Adebola who wishes to bring magic back to the kingdom of Orïsha. With the help of the strong-willed Princess Amari, Zélie fights against an oppressive government and a crown prince who wishes to destroy all magic for good.
In December 2023, Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King) signed on to direct the film adaptation of Adeyemi’s best-selling novel. “I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orisha to life,” Prince-Bythewood said in a statement. “Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”
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Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King) has been cast as Zélie, and Amandla Stenberg will play Princess Amari. Tosin Cole will play Zélie’s older brother Tzain. Prince Inan will be played by Damson Idris. The recently Academy Award-nominated Cynthia Erivo will play Admiral Kaea. Lashana Lynch, who also starred in The Woman King, will play Jumoke. Chiwetel Ejiofor will play the ruthless King Saran; Idris Elba will play the priest Lekan; and Academy Award-winner Viola Davis will play Mama Agba. Also in talks to join the cast: Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray. Prince-Bythewood also announced an open casting call for actors living in Nigeria.
Children of Blood and Bone will be produced by the filmmaking team that brought us the Twilight films: Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment. Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures will also serve as producer on the project. Author Tomi Adeyemi will executive produce alongside Reggie Rock Bythewood. Adeyemi and Prince-Bythewood co-wrote the film’s script. Production will be underway in South Africa in early 2025.
Children of Blood and Bone has been slated for release in cinemas and IMAX on January 15, 2027. So while it’s still maybe a little too early to get your tickets for the upcoming film, it will be here before you know it. In the meantime, what an excellent excuse to reread the whole trilogy!
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English (US) ·