Highly-anticipated Children of Blood and Bone film adaptation cast announced

The highly-anticipated film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is set to begin production in South Africa, with a release date scheduled for January 15, 2027. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the action fantasy film is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling 2018 novel and will be released by Paramount Pictures in IMAX.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Thuso Mbedu as Zelie, a young woman from a fantasy African kingdom on a quest to reclaim stolen magic. Mbedu, known for her role in Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, is joined by Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari, Damson Idris as Prince Inan, and Tosin Cole as Tzain, Zelie’s older brother. The story follows the characters as they form an alliance to overthrow the brutal rule of King Saran.

Prince-Bythewood expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing the importance of the film’s diverse cast, which represents the global diaspora. She said, "Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies."

Children of Blood and Bone is the first book in Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, which has sold almost three million copies worldwide. The series has earned critical acclaim and spent a combined 175 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, with Children of Blood and Bone being featured as one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time.

Additional casting for the film includes Regina King as Queen Nehanda, Diaana Babnicova as Folake, and Bukky Bakray as Binta. An open casting call for Nigerian actors is also underway, further expanding the film’s diverse ensemble.