With the first full trailer arriving tomorrow, Paramount Pictures has released an exciting behind-the-scenes featurette for Children of Blood and Bone, giving fans their most detailed look yet at the ambitious adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel.
Rather than focusing solely on the film’s star-studded cast, the featurette shines a spotlight on the creatives responsible for transforming the mythical world of Orïsha into a cinematic reality.
Directed and co-written by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the epic fantasy follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman determined to restore the magic that was violently stolen from her people. Filmed in South Africa, the production combines African-inspired world-building, practical filmmaking, and a remarkable creative team both in front of and behind the camera.
“I wanted to create a world that we can be inspired by,” Prince-Bythewood says in the featurette. “We do this together. That’s definitely the vibe that I’ve been feeling from everybody. We just want to do it with love and respect and passion.”
The video offers glimpses of elaborate sets, handcrafted costumes, intricate hairstyles, and stunning makeup while cast members Regina King and Idris Elba praise the artists bringing the vision to life.
“We have a really amazing crew here to bring this vision to life,” King says.
The Creative Team Behind Orïsha
Featured in the behind-the-scenes video are several of the creatives responsible for bringing the world of Orïsha to life. Academy Award-winning production designer Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, The Woman King) leads the creation of the film’s breathtaking environments, while costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones (Judas and the Black Messiah, Air) crafts the richly detailed armor and wardrobe inspired by West African cultures and traditions.
The featurette also highlights Andrea Mona Bowman, the film’s Hair Department Head; Matiki Anoff, the Makeup Department Head, who incorporates Yoruba-inspired body art into the character designs; renowned choreographer Fatima Robinson, who oversees the film’s movement and dance sequences; and Supervising Stunt Coordinator Daniel Hernandez, who brings the film’s ambitious action to life.
The film’s visual storytelling is further elevated by:
- Polly Morgan (The Woman King, A Quiet Place Part II) — Cinematographer
- Terilyn A. Shropshire (The Old Guard) — Film Editor
- Terence Blanchard (BlacKkKlansman, The Woman King) — Composer
Together, the team blends African history, fantasy, movement, music, and practical craftsmanship into one of the most anticipated fantasy films in recent years.
An All-Star Ensemble
The adaptation features one of the most impressive casts assembled for a fantasy film, led by:
- Thuso Mbedu as Zélie
- Damson Idris as Inan
- Amandla Stenberg as Amari
- Tosin Cole as Tzain
They are joined by Viola Davis, Regina King, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Saniyya Sidney, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr, and many more.
The Story
Based on the first novel in Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie as she embarks on a dangerous journey to restore magic after it is stolen by a ruthless monarchy. Alongside her brother and two unlikely royal allies, she must challenge an oppressive kingdom determined to erase her people’s power forever.
Trailer Arrives Tomorrow
Today’s featurette serves as an appetizer for what’s next. Paramount has confirmed that the film’s first full trailer will debut Tuesday at 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT, offering audiences their first extended look at the action, characters, and expansive fantasy world.
Children of Blood and Bone arrives exclusively in theaters, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and Premium Large Format theaters on January 15, 2027.
For many fans, the featurette is also a reminder that blockbuster filmmaking extends far beyond the actors on screen. Behind every breathtaking costume, elaborate hairstyle, meticulously designed set, and sweeping camera movement is a team of artists whose craftsmanship helps turn imagination into reality—and Children of Blood and Bone appears poised to showcase that artistry on a grand scale.