If there’s one film set to dominate conversations heading into 2027, it’s Children of Blood and Bone. Based on Tomi Adeyemi‘s bestselling novel, which launched the globally acclaimed Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, the fantasy epic brings together one of the most star-studded casts in recent memory. Led by South African actress Thuso Mbedu in her biggest role yet, the film also stars Academy Award winners Viola Davis and Regina King, alongside Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, and Amandla Stenberg. Under the direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood, the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Woman King, the epic fantasy adaptation assembles one of Hollywood’s most impressive ensemble casts.
Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s global bestselling novel, the film arrives in cinemas and IMAX on 15 January 2027, with Paramount Pictures positioning it as one of its biggest theatrical releases of the year. Years after readers first fell in love with the magical world of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone is finally making the leap from page to screen.
Following months of anticipation, first-look images have offered audiences their first glimpse of the film, while Paramount has confirmed that the first full trailer is on the way, marking the beginning of the movie’s global marketing campaign ahead of its January 2027 release.
What is Children of Blood and Bone about?
Adapted from Tomi Adeyemi‘s bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone is set in the mythical African kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been brutally erased by the ruthless King Saran. The story follows Zélie, a young woman gifted with extraordinary powers, who embarks on a dangerous mission to restore magic to her people. Joined by her brother Tzain and unlikely allies Princess Amari and Prince Inan, Zélie must challenge a kingdom built on fear before magic disappears forever.
Who stars in Children of Blood and Bone?
Leading the cast is South African actress Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, in what marks the biggest leading film role of her international career. She is joined by Damson Idris as Prince Inan, Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari and Tosin Cole as Tzain. The film also boasts an extraordinary supporting cast that includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayra Starr, Saniyya Sidney, Bukky Bakray, Diaana Babnicova, Temi Fagbenle, Shamz Garuba, Pamilerin Ayodeji and Kola Bodunde, making it one of the most star-studded fantasy ensembles in recent years.
Thuso Mbedu’s biggest Hollywood role yet
After captivating audiences in The Underground Railroad and making her feature-film breakthrough in The Woman King, Thuso Mbedu now steps into the spotlight as the central hero of Children of Blood and Bone. The role places the South African actress at the heart of a major Hollywood fantasy epic, further cementing her rise as one of the country’s biggest international stars. For local audiences, the film represents another milestone in Mbedu’s remarkable journey from Is’Thunzi to leading one of Paramount Pictures‘ most ambitious productions.
Children of Blood and Bone was filmed in South Africa
While the story unfolds in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, much of the production was filmed in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal over 74 days in partnership with South African production company Moonlighting Films. The local production not only showcased South Africa’s world-class filmmaking capabilities but also allowed the country to help bring one of modern fantasy literature’s most celebrated worlds to life.
Based on a global bestselling phenomenon
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most anticipated fantasy films, Children of Blood and Bone became a publishing sensation. Tomi Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha series has sold more than three million copies worldwide and spent over 120 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list, building a passionate global fanbase eager to see Orïsha realised on the big screen. After years of development and a competitive battle for the film rights, Paramount Pictures secured the adaptation, with Gina Prince-Bythewood directing and co-writing the screenplay alongside Adeyemi.
Coming to cinemas and IMAX in January 2027
Children of Blood and Bone opens in cinemas, Dolby Cinema, Premium Large Format screens and IMAX on 15 January 2027. Its premium-format release underlines Paramount’s confidence in the film as a major theatrical event and gives audiences the opportunity to experience the world of Orïsha on the biggest screens available.
From its award-winning cast and acclaimed creative team to its breathtaking fantasy world inspired by West African mythology, Children of Blood and Bone has all the ingredients of a cinematic event. With the first trailer now finally unveiled, and the anticipation continuing to build, the countdown has officially begun for one of 2027’s most anticipated fantasy films.
