
Paramount Pictures has officially announced the lead cast and release date for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, based on the best-selling novel trilogy by Tomi Adeyemi. The epic fantasy movie, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is set to hit theaters on January 15, 2027.
Tomi Adeyemi herself shared her excitement about the cast through a social media reel, revealing the star-studded lineup. Viola Davis will take on the role of Mama Agba, while Idris Elba will play the character of Lekan. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will portray Admiral Kaea, and Thuso Mbedu of The Woman King will play Zélie. Alongside her, Amandla Stenberg, known for The Hate U Give, will star as Princess Amari, and Damson Idris will portray Prince Inan. Tosin Cole will play Tzain, Zélie’s brother.
Lashana Lynch is set to play Zélie’s mother, Jumoke Adebola, while Chiwetel Ejiofor will take on the role of King Saran. Regina King has also been confirmed to star as Queen Nehanda.
Filming for the project is set to begin in South Africa, with additional castings for locations in Nigeria still being finalized. Adeyemi mentioned in her social media caption that they will soon be sharing more details about Nigerian casting and results from the open call.
Set in a fictional African-inspired kingdom called Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows the journey of Zélie and her brother Tzain as they fight against a tyrannical king who has stripped them of their magical abilities. The story explores powerful themes of oppression, resilience, and the reclamation of cultural heritage. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood expressed her excitement about the project, noting its cultural significance and the exceptional talent behind it.