Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone has officially rounded out its cast with a dynamic mix of rising stars and international talent. Saniyya Sidney (Fences), Zackary Momoh (Harriet), Richard Mofe-Damijo (Namaste Wahala), Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, Pamilerin Ayodeji (Mikolo), Shamz Garuba (Crime and Justice Lagos), Kola Bodunde (Shadow), and Temi Fagbenle have all joined the cast. Notably, Ayodeji and Garuba were discovered through an open casting call in Nigeria, further emphasizing the film’s deep cultural roots.
These new additions join the previously announced ensemble, which includes Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, and Tosin Cole in leading roles. Also starring in the epic fantasy are Academy Award winners Viola Davis and Regina King, Emmy and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray. The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is slated for release in IMAX on January 15, 2027.
Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the screenplay with author Tomi Adeyemi, will bring Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy to life, starting with Children of Blood and Bone. The story is set in a richly imagined African fantasy kingdom, where a young woman, Zelie (Mbedu), embarks on a dangerous mission to restore the magic stolen from her people. Alongside her brother Tzain (Cole), she joins forces with Princess Amari (Stenberg) and Prince Inan (Idris), the children of the ruthless King Saran (Ejiofor), in a rebellion against his oppressive rule.
The Legacy of Orïsha trilogy has become a global sensation, spending a combined 175 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list. Children of Blood and Bone topped the Young Adult Hardcover category for four weeks, with its sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance reaching No. 1 for five weeks. The final book, Children of Anguish and Anarchy, debuted at No. 1 on the Children’s & Young Adult Series list. The series has sold nearly three million copies worldwide and has been recognized among the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, as well as a New York Times Notable Children’s Book and a Kirkus Prize finalist.
The film is produced by Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, known for their work on the Twilight series, along with Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures. Adeyemi, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Jeff Waxman, and Jennifer Madeloff will serve as executive producers.
With an expanded cast, powerhouse creative team, and a beloved source material, Children of Blood and Bone is shaping up to be a major cinematic event that redefines fantasy storytelling.
