The first full trailer for Paramount Pictures’ Children of Blood and Bone is here and it is everything the fanbase has been waiting for.
The nearly three-minute trailer opens with an origin story narrated by Viola Davis’s character, who serves as Zélie’s mentor and mother figure. Orïsha is revealed as a once-magical land whose power was violently stripped away when the ruling king sent forces to take away those who wielded magic, including Zélie’s mother. From there the story splits into two parallel threads. On one side, Zélie, played by Thuso Mbedu, is being trained and prepared to reclaim what was stolen. On the other, King Saran, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, and his heir Inan, played by Damson Idris, are determined to ensure magic never returns to the land.
Set to a stripped Afrobeats version of Beyoncé’s “Energy,” the footage is as much a showcase for the film’s extraordinary production design as it is for its story. The colors, the costuming and the visual contrast between the world of the people and the cold aesthetic of the royal kingdom create a visual language that is immediately arresting. The trailer gives just enough of the story to orient newcomers while leaving the full picture deliberately incomplete, a smart choice given how beloved the source material is for readers who already know how it unfolds.
Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone is set in the West African-inspired mystical kingdom of Orïsha and follows Zélie Adebola on a dangerous quest to restore the magic violently stolen from her people. Alongside her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, and unlikely royal allies Amari, played by Amandla Stenberg, and Inan, she must challenge the ruthless King Saran to reclaim hope for her kingdom.
The cast also includes Viola Davis, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Saniyya Sidney, Zackary Momoh, Bukky Bakray and Ayra Starr. The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tomi Adeyemi. At the trailer launch event, it was also announced that Grammy Award-winning singer Tems will executive produce the film’s soundtrack and contribute three original songs, with Burna Boy joining as executive music consultant.
Children of Blood and Bone opens exclusively in theaters, IMAX, Dolby Cinema and Premium Large Format theaters on January 15, 2027.