Thuso Mbedu Leads Star-Studded Cast in Children of Blood and Bone

Thuso Mbedu leads the other cast in Children of Blood and Bone. The movie is an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s novel. It is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and arrives in cinemas on 15 January 2027.

Mbedu plays Zélie Adebola, a young woman who seeks restoration of magic to the kingdom of Orïsha. King Saran has carried out raids among the people in a bid to destroy all traces of magic that could become a threat to  Zele with her brother Tzain went on a dangerous journey to restore their magical powers. 

Photo: Instagram

The film cast includes Damson Idris as Prince Inan, while Amandla Stenberg plays Princess Amari. Tosin Cole takes on the role of Tzain, Zélie’s older brother. Idris Elba plays Lekan. Chiwetel Ejiofor is the ruthless King Saran, while Cynthia Erivo stars as Admiral Kaea. 

Also in the production are Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayra Starr, Temi Fagbenle, Shamz Garuba, and Kola Bodunde. Children of Blood and Bone themes are injustice, determination and hope. 

Read Also: Thuso Mbedu Knows How to Rock Big Hair, These Two Images Say It All 

After the casting announcement, Mbedu talked about  how the project had been years in the making for her. She revealed that reading Adeyemi’s novel in 2019 left a lasting impression and even inspired her to hope she would one day be part of its screen adaptation.

Photo: Instagram

“Children of Blood and Bone was gifted to me in 2019 and, truly, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve received. Upon reading it I fell in love with it – to the point that I made it a prayer point.”

The author said she was moved to come up with the movie after seeing the backlash against casting two black actors in 2012’s The Hunger Games.

“I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m going to write a story that’s so good and so Black that everyone’s going to have to read it even if you’re racist,’

The director, Prince-Bythewood told Variety that:

“I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ and the vibrant world of Orisha to life,” 

Photo: Instagram

Filming was done in Cape Town(South Africa), Canary Island (Spain) and Lagos (Nigeria). Despite facing issues over casting decisions, fans still look forward to this movie. With the stars involved, Children of Blood and Bone could be one of the top fantasy releases of 2027.