'Children of Blood and Bone' Movie: Everything We Know About the Cast and Release Date

After years of speculation, Children of Blood and Bone is finally set to debut as Hollywood's next blockbuster fantasy franchise. In 2018, author Tomi Adeyemi released her bestselling YA novel of the same name, set in a world of magic and royal intrigue heavily inspired by West African mythology. Adeyemi's full Legacy of Orïsha trilogy has sold 3 million copies worldwide and spent over 120 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Since the fantasy book first hit shelves, fans have been waiting for the kingdom of Orïsha to be brought to life in a book-to-screen adaptation, and for the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy to join Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games on the list of YA franchises turned pop culture phenomena. Now that the film's cast and crew are being announced, fantasy devotees can get excited that that's actually happening. Below, we're keeping track of everything we know about the Children of Blood and Bone movie.

When will 'Children of Blood and Bone' be released?

Children of Blood and Bone is set for a theatrical IMAX release on January 15, 2027.

At this point, it doesn't seem all that much longer until we'll be able to meet Zéile, her allies, and her adversaries, considering how long it's taken for Adeyemi's beloved books to be adapted. The book's rights were acquired before it was even published in 2017, but the Walt Disney Company's acquisition of 21st Century Fox led those rights to expire. Eventually, a "highly competitive bidding war" ensued, as reported by Variety, which Paramount Pictures won. Since then, the studio has prioritized the project as one of its next major franchises. Alas, you can expect fans to be seated, come early 2027!

Who is helming the 'Children of Blood and Bone' movie from behind the scenes?

Gina Prince-Bythewood will direct Children of Blood and Bone. The renowned filmmaker became attached to the project in 2023 and is known for her work directing hits like The Woman King, The Old Guard, Beyond the Lights, and Love & Basketball.

"I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orisha to life," Prince-Bythewood said in a statement. "Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies."

And, have no fear, book fans: Prince-Bythewood co-wrote the screenplay with author Adeyemi. The best-selling writer also serves as an executive producer.

She's also lauded Prince-Bythewood's work on the adaptation. "She’s the calmest force of nature I’ve ever witnessed, and collaborating with her has been so much fun," Adeyemi told ELLE in a 2024 interview. "What Gina does so well is tell these deep, complex stories of women who look like us front and center, with incredible action set pieces, incredible cinematography. It feels divine. It feels bigger than [just] making this project. We’re really in sync."

We can't wait to see what magic they made together!

Has the 'Children of Blood and Bone' movie wrapped filming?

Yes! Children of Blood and Bone is definitely on track to meet its January 2027 release date, as the movie finished filming in early June 2025. Prince-Bythewood revealed on Instagram that production wrapped on June 1st of that year by sharing a photo of a clapper board and praising the cast and crew for their hard work.

"That is a wrap on production!" she wrote in the caption. "74 days. Two countries and two islands. A passionate and dedicated crew. And an extraordinary cast who gave EVERYTHING. And the journey has just begun…"

It seems like the movie was filmed during the first half of 2025. According to an Instagram post from the book's author, filming began in February. At the time, she shared a photo of a set chair with the franchise's title on it, with "And…action🎬," in the caption.

The movie will likely have a heavy post-production process, considering all of the special effects it'll need to bring the world of Orisha to life. But at least we know we can plan on heading to the theaters in early 2027!

Who is in the cast of the 'Children of Blood and Bone' movie?

On January 22, 2025, Variety revealed the cast of Children of Blood and Bone. The film is led by Thuso Mbedu, who previously worked with Prince-Bythewood on The Woman King. She'll play the book's heroine Zélie Adebola, a young warrior determined to bring magic back to Orïsha after the tyrannical King Saran muted it. Amandla Stenberg will portray Saran's daughter, Princess Amari, who teams up with Zéile and her protective older brother Tzain, to be played by Tosin Cole of Netflix's Supacell. Damson Idris rounds out the main quartet as Prince Inan, Amari's brother, who pursues Amari and her new allies.

Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to portray the cruel Saran, while Oscar nominee and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will play his skilled naval commander, Admiral Kaea. Rounding out the confirmed cast is Idris Elba as high priest Lekan, as well as The Woman King alums Lashana Lynch as Jumoke, Zéile and Tzain's mother, and Viola Davis as Mama Agba, the oldest living maji (a magician of Orïsha).

Their castings have not been confirmed, but there are several rumored names among the ensemble, as well. Academy Award winner Regina King is in talks to play Queen Nehanda, Amari and Inan's mother, as well as Diaana Babnicova as Folake and Bukky Bakray as Binta.

What is the plot of 'Children of Blood and Bone?'

Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the mythical African kingdom of Orïsha, inhabited by two groups: divîners, who are born with magical capabilities and white hair, and non-magical kosidán. Divîners cannot awaken their magic until they are 13, which is also when they decide if they want to decide whether to become a full maji. 10 different maji clans perform forms of magic, ranging from manipulating the elements and healing to having power over the mind or death.

11 years before the start of the Orïsha trilogy, King Saran executed The Raid, a brutal attack against the maji after Saran's father, the then-king, was killed by Burners (maji who control fire). All maji and divîners over the age of 13 were killed; the Yoruba language, which the maji use to perform spells, was outlawed; and all maji allowed to live were oppressed and forced into poverty. Zéile watched her mother, Jumoke, be brutally killed right in front of her during the Raid.

To keep spoilers at a minimum, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zéile as she embarks on a quest to restore magic and empower the maji against Saran's regime, with the help of her loyal and protective older brother Tzain and Princess Amari, who rebels after witnessing her father's cruelty firsthand.

What has the cast of 'Children of Blood and Bone' said about the movie?

The stars of Children of Blood and Bone have stayed relatively quiet about what fans can expect, but what they have said is sure to get them excited. Damson Idris, for instance, has spoken about what a thrilling experience it was to film the movie—and teased just how hot everyone looks in it.

"Every day was so amazing," the British actor told ELLE about the production in August 2025. "We filmed in Cape Town, and I was out there just taking it all in...And the cast is stacked. The same feeling you had when you walked out of Black Panther is what you’re gonna feel with this, but to an even greater extent. We’re creating something that you have not seen before, and I cannot wait for people to see it."

He cheekily added, "We gave it everything. We were out there for six months. It was sword fighting, and there were lots of abs. You’re really gonna love it."

Mbedu, who previously collaborated with Prince-Bythewood on The Woman King, has also emphasized that the cast trained hard for the upcoming blockbuster. She told ELLE in September 2025 that it was "a tough project." The actress said it was even "tougher than The Woman King," but was, "It was a lot of fun, but just physically challenging in a good way."

Perhaps most importantly, though, she said that "the girls will not be disappointed." With the cast this stacked, we'd bet she's right!