Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Viola Davis  and More to Star in ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Film Adaptation


The eagerly awaited film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling young adult fantasy novel, is officially underway. Paramount Pictures has unveiled an all-star cast, including Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, and Viola Davis. The film, helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, is set to grace the big screen in January 2027.

Children of Blood and Bone marks the inaugural installment in Adeyemi’s captivating West African-inspired fantasy trilogy. The trilogy has garnered global acclaim for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and profound themes of resistance, identity, and power. The narrative follows Zélie Adebola, a young girl embarking on a mission to restore magic to the land of Orïsha, which was mercilessly suppressed by the ruling monarchy. With the support of her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must outsmart formidable adversaries to reclaim her people’s heritage and power.

Gina Prince-Bythewood, renowned for her work on The Woman King and Love & Basketball, brings her expertise in crafting compelling narratives centered around Black characters to this highly anticipated project. Fans eagerly anticipate her vision of Adeyemi’s magical and politically charged world on the big screen.

The cast boasts a dynamic lineup of talented actors:

Thuso Mbedu, known for her roles in The Woman King and The Underground Railroad, assumes the lead role of Zélie Adebola.
Amandla Stenberg, the star of The Hate U Give, will portray Amari, the defiant princess who fights against her father’s oppressive rule in the upcoming film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone.Damson Idris, known for his role in Snowfall, will play Inan, the conflicted prince torn between his duty and his growing understanding of magic.

Tosin Cole, who has appeared in Doctor Who and 61st Street, will join the cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role. Viola Davis, an Academy Award-winning actress, will lend her star power to the project, reportedly playing the fierce and wise Mama Agba.

Children of Blood and Bone, published in 2018, has received widespread acclaim for its unique blend of African mythology with themes of oppression, hope, and revolution. The novel spent weeks on bestseller lists and earned Adaobi Tricia Nwosu a multi-million-dollar book and movie deal.

The film adaptation has been in development for several years, with various studios vying for the rights before Paramount secured the project. Fans of the book are eagerly anticipating its release, hoping that the movie will faithfully capture the intricate storytelling and cultural richness that made the novel a phenomenon.

Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to premiere in theaters in January 2027. Stay tuned for more updates as production progresses.