The first official trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, has been released, giving fans a fresh look at an all-star cast led by Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Viola Davis and Idris Elba.
Inspired by West African mythology and Yoruba culture, the fantasy epic follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman determined to restore magic to the mythical kingdom of Orïsha after it was violently wiped out by a ruthless king. The film is based on the first book in Adeyemi’s acclaimed trilogy and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 15, 2027.
The newly released trailer opens with Lashana Lynch’s character, Jumoke, encouraging her young daughter not to fear her extraordinary abilities. As breathtaking scenes of forests, villages and colourful landscapes unfold, viewers are introduced to a world where magic once flourished before being destroyed by oppression. Later scenes show Viola Davis as Lekan, training an older Zélie to reclaim the lost powers of her people.
The film boasts one of the most impressive casts assembled for an African-inspired fantasy production. Alongside Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, Damson Idris stars as Prince Inan, while Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Admiral Kaea. Other cast members include Amandla Stenberg, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Ayra Starr, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bukky Bakray, Tosin Cole, Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba.
Away from the screen, the project has also generated headlines after author Tomi Adeyemi publicly distanced herself from the adaptation. In a recent social media post, the Nigerian-American writer said there was “a reason” she had chosen not to promote the film. She later shared what appeared to be a private message asking actress Amandla Stenberg not to use her name during interviews, fuelling speculation about tensions between the author and the production team. Neither Paramount Pictures nor Stenberg has publicly addressed the claims.
Music is expected to play a major role in the film’s identity. Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has been appointed executive producer and curator of the soundtrack, marking her first executive production role on a movie soundtrack. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood revealed that Tems recorded three original songs specifically for the project while also bringing BNXN and Fireboy DML on board.
Another Nigerian music heavyweight, Burna Boy, joins the production as an executive consultant for the soundtrack. The Grammy-winning Afro-fusion star, who previously collaborated with Tems on Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, is expected to help shape an Afrobeats-inspired musical experience alongside acclaimed composer Terence Blanchard, whose orchestral score blends African instrumentation with cinematic arrangements.
With its combination of African mythology, Hollywood talent and a soundtrack powered by some of Africa’s biggest music stars, Children of Blood and Bone is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fantasy films of 2027.
