PARAMOUNT, CA – Paramount Pictures has officially slated the highly anticipated fantasy epic Children of Blood and Bone for a theatrical and IMAX release on January 15, 2027. Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s #1 New York Times best-selling novel, the film brings West African–inspired magic to the big screen under the direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, The Old Guard).
An All-Star African Diaspora Cast
The studio unveiled a star-studded ensemble that has already sparked excitement across the industry. Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King) leads as Zélie Adebola, a young diviner on a quest to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha. She is joined by Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) as Princess Amari, Damson Idris (Snowfall) as Prince Inan, and Tosin Cole (Supacell) as Tzain, Zélie’s older brother.
In legendary supporting roles, Viola Davis will play Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo is cast as Admiral Kaea, Idris Elba will portray Lekan, Lashana Lynch takes on Jumoke, and Chiwetel Ejiofor will embody the villainous King Saran. Regina King is reportedly in negotiations to play Queen Nehanda.
In a groundbreaking move, the production team also held an open casting call specifically for actors living in Nigeria to fill additional roles, ensuring authentic West African representation.
Plot: Magic, Oppression, and a Dangerous Journey
Children of Blood and Bone is set in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, inspired by West African mythology and culture. Years before the story begins, a ruthless king ordered the slaughter of all maji – those born with magic. The surviving diviners (those who would have become maji) are now oppressed as second-class citizens in a powerless land.
The plot ignites when Zélie, a diviner, meets a runaway princess who has stolen a sacred scroll capable of restoring magic to Orïsha. Pursued by the crown prince, Zélie and her allies must survive a perilous journey to bring magic back and liberate their people.
A Story Born from Resistance
Author Tomi Adeyemi, a Nigerian-American writer who co-wrote the screenplay with Prince-Bythewood, revealed that the novel was inspired by racist backlash against the casting of Black actors in The Hunger Games movies. Her mission, she has said, was to “write a story that’s so good and so Black that everyone’s going to have to read it.”
The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller and won both a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award – rare honors for a debut YA fantasy. The film adaptation is expected to carry the same powerful allegory for modern Black identity and resilience.
With production underway and a solid release date locked, Children of Blood and Bone is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated fantasy films of 2027. Fans of the novel and newcomers alike are eager to see Orïsha come to life.