With the rise of YA fantasy adaptations, like the new “Chronicles of Narnia” and “Twilight” projects, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling for Tomi Adeyami’s 2018 “Children of Blood and Bone.” The New York Times bestseller is the first book in Adeyami’s “Legacy of Orïsha” trilogy and is coming to the silver screen, thanks to Paramount Pictures.
In 2022, the production company acquired the rights to the trilogy, and now, almost three years later, the adaptation is about to start filming. To learn more about the “Children of Blood and Bone” film, including future casting opportunities, here’s the inside scoop.
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- What is the “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation about?
- Who is developing the “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation?
- Who is in the cast of the “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation?
- Where to find the “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation casting calls
- When is the “Children of Blood and Bone” film premiering?
The “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation centers on Zelie, a young woman living in a fantasy African kingdom. She is the daughter of a magic practitioner who died when the ruthless King Saran violently stole the magic from her people. Zelie, along with her older brother, Tzain, team up with the king’s rogue daughter, Princess Amari, and son, Prince Inan, to fight against him and bring back the stolen magic.
According to a Jan. 24 press release from Paramount Pictures, acclaimed director Gina Prince-Bythewood is helming the movie. She and Adeyami co-wrote the script together. Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment, and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures are producing the film, with Adeyami and Reggie Rock Bythewood executive-producing. It’s a dream team of people set to bring this fantasy world to life.
The “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation is currently making headlines because the new film has also found its leads. Thuso Mbedu is stepping into the role of Zelie, Tosin Cole is playing Tzain, Amandla Stenberg is Princess Amari, and Damson Idris is portraying Prince Inan.
The film features a stellar ensemble cast in addition to the leads. Oscar winner Viola Davis plays Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo plays Admiral Kaea, Idris Elba plays Lekan, Lashana Lynch plays Jumoke, and Chiwetel Ejiofor plays King Saran.
Several big-name actors are also in negotiations to appear in the film, including Academy Award winner Regina King as Queen Nehanda, Diaana Babnicova as Folake, and Bukky Bakray as Binta. However, we’re still waiting for these stars to sign on officially.
The film is quickly assembling its ensemble, and according to the press release, up-and-coming talent will have a chance to join the adaptation. In the coming weeks, open casting calls will be held for actors living in Nigeria. We will have additional casting news as it becomes available, so be sure to check our main casting page for future opportunities.
While waiting for news about casting opportunities for the “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation, check out these similar projects:
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The film will premiere on January 15, 2027, in Imax. Filming will begin in South Africa in the coming weeks to prepare for that release date.
Keep checking back here for more updates about the “Children of Blood and Bone” adaptation!