‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Trailer Features Thuso Mbedu and Amandla Stenberg

Thuso Mbedu leads the cast in the latest trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel. Released by Paramount Pictures on November 12, the preview also features Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris and an ensemble cast in a story about the persecution of people with magical abilities and their fight against a brutal monarchy.

Mbedu plays Zélie Adebola, a young divîner from the fictional kingdom of Orïsha. Her people once possessed magic, but King Saran, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, launches a violent campaign against them, stripping them of their powers and killing members of their community, including Zélie’s mother.

Photo: Instagram/@Paramount pictures

Zélie’s mission is to reclaim the magic taken from her people. She is joined by her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, as she becomes involved in a rebellion against the king. The trailer offers more footage of their journey, including encounters with the royal family and the dangers facing those who oppose the crown.

Stenberg plays Princess Amari, King Saran’s daughter, who turns against her father’s rule and joins Zélie’s cause. The trailer shows Zélie protecting Amari from armed guards, offering a glimpse of how their relationship develops. Damson Idris plays Prince Inan, Amari’s brother, who is also caught between his father’s rule and the growing challenge to the monarchy.

Photo: Instagram/@Paramount pictures

The cast includes several recognisable names from international film and television. Viola Davis plays Mama Agba, who trains Zélie, while Regina King appears as Queen Nehanda. Idris Elba takes on the role of Lekan, Cynthia Erivo plays Admiral Kaea and Lashana Lynch appears as Jumoke. Nigerian actor Richard Mofe-Damijo and Zackary Momoh are also among the cast.

Music is another part of the film’s production. The trailer features a preview of Nigerian singer Tems’ original song, “African Love Song”. Tems serves as executive music producer and curator of the soundtrack, while Burna Boy is involved as an executive music consultant. The soundtrack also brings together African artists including Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, BNXN, Obongjayar, Show Dem Camp and Moonchild Sanelly.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, Children of Blood and Bone is based on Adeyemi’s 2018 novel, the first instalment in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Prince-Bythewood co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi and previously worked with Mbedu and Davis on The Woman King.

Photo: Instagram/@Paramount pictures

The production also has an African connection beyond its source material. Lagos, Nigeria, and Cape Town, South Africa, were among the filming locations. The cast brings together performers from across Africa and the diaspora, with Mbedu leading the adaptation.

Children of Blood and Bone is listed for release in South African cinemas on January 27, 2027, according to Nu Metro. Paramount Pictures has announced January 15 for its US theatrical release, while international dates vary by territory.