Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg Lead Movie

Paramount Pictures has cast its cast for director Gina Prince-Bythewood’s upcoming film adaptation of the YA novel Children of blood and bones.

Set to hit theaters on January 15, 2027, the film stars Thuso Mbedu (The female king) as Zelie; Amandla Stenberg (Hate U Give) as Amari; Damson Idris (Snowfall) as Inan; and Tosin Cole (Supacell) as Tzain.

Rounding out the cast are Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch and Chiwetel Ejiofor. In addition, Regina King, Diaana Babnicova and Bukky Bakray are in talks for roles.

Based on author Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 best-selling book, Children of blood and bones centers on an African fantasy kingdom where a young woman (Mbedu) and her brother (Cole) seek to reclaim the magic violently stolen from their people by an evil king (Ejiofor).

Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins worked with the studio’s film group presidents Daria Cercek and Mike Ireland to acquire the rights to the book trilogy in a bidding war.

Filming will begin soon in South Africa. An opening casting call is seeking actors living in Nigeria for additional roles. Producers include Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures.

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

Prince-Bythewood’s last film as a director was 2022’s The female kingwhich included Mbedu, Davis and Lynch among its stars.

Black was the first to report on the cast and release date.