The wait is finally over. Paramount Pictures has released the official trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, giving audiences their first glimpse at the highly anticipated fantasy epic led by South African actress Thuso Mbedu. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film adapts Tomi Adeyemi‘s bestselling novel and boasts one of Hollywood’s most star-studded ensembles, including Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba and Viola Davis. The trailer arrives ahead of the film’s worldwide theatrical and IMAX release on 15 January 2027.
The trailer premiered during a special launch event, where director Gina Prince-Bythewood was joined by members of the cast to celebrate the long-awaited first look at the film. As the trailer debuted, Paramount Pictures and the movie’s official social media channels also released new character posters and exclusive images, giving fans an even closer look at the world of Orïsha.
➜ Everything we know about Children of Blood and Bone
The trailer gives an epic first look at Orïsha
Set to Beyoncé‘s Energy (feat. Beam), the trailer introduces viewers to the kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been violently stripped away from its people. Thuso Mbedu stars as Zélie, a young woman determined to restore the magic that was stolen from her people. Joined by her brother, she forms an unlikely alliance with Princess Amari and Prince Inan, the children of the ruthless King Saran, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, as they embark on a dangerous mission that could change Orïsha forever.
The trailer is packed with breathtaking action, showcasing sword fights, powerful magical abilities and massive battles between those fighting to reclaim magic and those determined to destroy it forever. One of the trailer’s standout moments sees King Saran declare:
Magic is a festering disease. Purge it.
This establishes the central conflict that drives the story. Meanwhile, Prince Inan, played by Damson Idris, appears torn between following his father’s brutal ideology or forging his own path. Fans are also introduced to several of Orïsha’s Maji clans, including the Omi Clan, whose members command water, and the Ikú Clan, whose magic is tied to life and death. The trailer teases spectacular displays of elemental powers, from towering waves crashing across battlefields to spiritual abilities that hint at the depth of the world’s magic system.
Another emotional highlight comes when Viola Davis‘ Mama Agba encourages Zélie not to lose hope after the loss of her mother.
Your powers may be gone, but that does not change who you are. For years I have trained you because I believe you are the one. You can bring magic back.
The trailer also offers striking glimpses of Orïsha’s vibrant landscapes, including the Omi Clan’s coastal village, a vivid pink river and mysterious purple crystal-like formations that appear to awaken or amplify Zélie’s powers, teasing the epic journey awaiting audiences when Children of Blood and Bone arrives in cinemas next year.
