There’s been some behind-the-scenes tumult hanging over the big-screen adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone. The film was originally set up at Lucasfilm—an inspired change of pace for the Star Wars studio—then shifted to Paramount. Then, in recent weeks, the author spoke out on social media (a Reddit post with screengrabs here) saying she was distancing herself from the movie without sharing exactly why.
However, the first trailer for Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2027 film is now here, and maybe none of that matters? It looks gorgeous, and that cast could not be more stacked.
“In the epic fantasy world of Orïsha, a young woman goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people,” reads the official synopsis. “She and her brother ally with the daughter and son of the king to fight back against his brutal rule.”
The cast is headed up by Thuso Mbedu (reuniting with Prince-Bythewood after The Woman King) as the magical, heroic main character Zélie; she’s joined by Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis. Supporting players include Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji, and Tèmítópé Fágbénlé.
Paramount also shared a behind-the-scenes featurette highlighting the craftsmanship that went into bringing the fantastical world of Orïsha to the screen:
And the studio also dropped character posters to show off its star-studded cast:
Children of Blood and Bone hits theaters (including premium large formats and IMAX) starting January 15, 2027.
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