Children of Blood and Bone’ Trailer Introduces Cast for Big-Screen Adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Novel

Gina Prince-Bythewood directs an Africa-set fantasy film starring Thuso Mbedu, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Damson Idris, Lashana Lynch, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole and Viola Davis.

The trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, an adaptation of the debut novel by Tomi Adeyemi, has been released, offering a first look at the epic fantasy film and its impressive cast.

Children of Blood and Bone, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, stars Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola. The cast includes Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Damson Idris, Lashana Lynch, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, and Viola Davis, with Nigerian singer Ayra Starr appearing in the film's teaser.

Based on Adeyemi's 2018 novel, the film is set in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been suppressed under the rule of King Saran, portrayed by Ejiofor. Zélie embarks on a mission to restore the lost magic while being pursued by the kingdom's forces.

The trailer gives glimpses of the film's large-scale action scenes, impressive costumes and landscapes, and introductions to several key characters in the story

Adeyemi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Prince-Bythewood, has openly stated that she is not involved in promoting the film adaptation. In a series of social media posts, Adeyemi said she would not be promoting the adaptation and shared screenshots of messages that appeared to show exchanges between her and Stenberg, who plays Princess Amari.

Children of Blood and Bone is set to hit theaters on January 15, 2027.