Gina Prince-Bythewood’s fantasy epic introduce its powerhouse ensemble.
Paramount Pictures has unveiled the first images from Children of Blood and Bone. The new look offers an exciting look at the heroes, royalty, and powerful magic of Orïsha.
Based on the bestselling fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi, the upcoming theatrical adaptation is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Thuso Mbedu leads the massive ensemble as Zélie. She is a young woman who begins a dangerous mission to restore the magic that was violently taken from her people.
The newly released photos introduce several of the story’s central players. They include Damson Idris (F1) as Inan, Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) as Amari, and Tosin Cole (Till) as Zélie’s brother, Tzain. Other images reveal Viola Davis (Fences) as Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) as Commander Kaea, Idris Elba (Masters of the Universe) as Lekan, and Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die) as Jumoke.
Regina King appears as Queen Nehanda alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor as the brutal King Saran. Bukky Bakray also appears as Binta. She is one of the many characters who will help bring Adeyemi’s expansive fantasy world to the screen.
Children of Blood and Bone Brings Orïsha to Life
Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the epic fantasy kingdom of Orïsha. It is a place where magic once flowed through people known as the maji. However, that power was stolen under the violent rule of King Saran, leaving Zélie and her people oppressed.
Zélie refuses to accept that future. She sets out to reclaim her people’s magic with Tzain by her side. Their mission unexpectedly brings them together with Amari and Inan, the daughter and son of the king they are preparing to fight.
That alliance places the four young heroes at the center of a rebellion against the crown. It also forces the king’s children to decide whether they will protect the system they were born into or help tear it down.
The photos follow the exclusive footage shown during Paramount Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation. Prince-Bythewood appeared alongside Mbedu, Idris, Stenberg, Ejiofor, and King to introduce an early look at the fantasy adaptation.
Gina Prince-Bythewood Leads a Powerful Ensemble
Prince-Bythewood also co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi. The filmmaker has previously brought large-scale action and deeply personal character stories together with projects including The Woman King and The Old Guard. Children of Blood and Bone gives her the opportunity to build an entirely new cinematic fantasy world rooted in African mythology and culture.
Mbedu reunites with the director after starring in The Woman King. She now steps into the central role of Zélie, leading a cast filled with acclaimed performers, rising stars, and Academy Award winners.
The main cast includes Mbedu, Idris, Stenberg, and Cole. They are joined by Erivo, Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ejiofor, King, Elba, and Davis.
The supporting ensemble also includes Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Bakray, Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji, and Tèmítópé Fágbénlé.
With its fight to restore magic, conflict between two families, and an enormous cast, Children of Blood and Bone is shaping up to be one of Paramount’s biggest fantasy releases of 2027.
Children of Blood and Bone releases in theaters on January 15, 2027.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
