Meet the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’
The highly-anticipated film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, based on Tomi Adeyemi’s spellbinding fantasy novel, is gearing up for a January 2027 release. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her work on The Woman King and The Old Guard, this action-packed epic promises to bring Adeyemi’s richly imagined world of Orïsha to life. The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, will feature a star-studded cast that includes Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Set in the mythical kingdom of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie, a courageous young woman from the maji, a once-powerful people whose magic was stripped away by the tyrannical King Saran. Zélie discovers a way to bring magic back, and with the help of her loyal brothers, Tzain and Amari, a rebellious princess who turns against her father, Zélie embarks on a quest to restore what was lost. The story is filled with resilience, oppression, and the fight for justice, set against an enchanting African-inspired fantasy backdrop.
Let’s meet the talented cast members bringing these beloved characters to life:
Thuso Mbedu as Zélie
Thuso Mbedu takes on the lead role of Zélie, the determined young woman fighting to reclaim her people’s heritage. Known for her Emmy-nominated performance in The Underground Railroad, Mbedu is a rising star with a powerful presence.
Amandla Stenberg as Amari
Amandla Stenberg plays Amari, the princess who defies her family’s cruelty and joins Zélie’s fight. Stenberg, who captivated audiences in The Hunger Games and The Hate U Give, brings depth and strength to this role.
Damson Idris as Prince Inan
Damson Idris portrays Prince Inan, a conflicted character torn between duty and his own moral compass. Known for his role as Franklin Saint in Snowfall, Idris brings emotional complexity to this character.
Tosin Cole as Tzain
Tosin Cole stars as Tzain, Zélie’s fiercely protective older brother. Known for his roles in Doctor Who and 61st Street, Cole’s commanding presence is perfect for this pivotal character.
Viola Davis as Mama Agba
Viola Davis portrays Mama Agba, the wise and formidable mentor to the young maji. An EGOT winner with acclaimed roles in Fences and The Woman King, Davis is set to bring gravitas and power to the role.
Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea
Cynthia Erivo plays Admiral Kaea, a loyal enforcer of King Saran’s anti-magic regime. Erivo’s powerful performances in Wicked and Harriet make her a perfect fit for this complex character.
Idris Elba as Lekan
Idris Elba embodies Lekan, the last high priest of the maji and a guiding light for Zélie. Elba’s commanding screen presence and experience in roles like Luther and Beast make him a natural fit for this wise character.
Lashana Lynch as Jumoke
Lashana Lynch plays Zélie and Tzain’s late mother, Jumoke, whose legacy as a Reaper inspires her children. Lynch, known for her roles in Captain Marvel and No Time to Die, brings strength and depth to this pivotal role.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the villainous King Saran, a brutal ruler determined to eradicate magic. An Academy Award nominee for 12 Years a Slave, Ejiofor’s intensity and skill will bring this character’s cruelty to life.
Regina King as Queen Nehanda (In Talks)
Regina King is in talks to play Queen Nehanda, the cunning and equally ruthless partner to King Saran. With an Oscar win for If Beale Street Could Talk, King’s potential involvement adds even more prestige to the film.
With this incredible ensemble cast, Children of Blood and Bone promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s beloved novel. The film is set to take audiences on a thrilling journey into the world of Orïsha when it hits theaters in 2027.
