Thuso Mbedu leads the “Children of Blood and Bone” cast as Zélie Adebola, joined by Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari, Damson Idris as Prince Inan, and Tosin Cole as Tzain. Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, and Lashana Lynch round out the supporting cast in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Paramount Pictures adaptation, which opens in theaters and IMAX on January 15, 2027.
The film adapts Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel, the first book in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. It follows a young diviner who fights to restore magic that was violently stripped from her people, teaming up with the king’s own children to challenge his rule. Paramount announced the cast in stages between late 2024 and early 2025, then unveiled the full ensemble ahead of the film’s first trailer, released in late July 2026.
Lead Roles and Characters
The main cast centers on four young characters whose alliances drive the story forward.
| Actor | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Thuso Mbedu | Zélie Adebola | The Woman King |
| Amandla Stenberg | Princess Amari | The Hate U Give, The Acolyte |
| Damson Idris | Prince Inan | Snowfall |
| Tosin Cole | Tzain Adebola | Supacell |
Zélie is the young diviner at the center of the quest to bring magic back to her people. Prince Inan is the king’s son tasked with stopping her. Princess Amari is the king’s daughter who allies with Zélie against her own father. Tzain is Zélie’s protective older brother.
Mbedu previously worked with director Gina Prince-Bythewood on “The Woman King” and has said filming this role was even tougher than that project.
Supporting Cast
Paramount rounded out the ensemble with several Oscar-nominated and award-winning actors in key adult roles across the kingdom of Orïsha.
- Viola Davis as Mama Agba, a mentor and fight instructor
- Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea, leader of Inan’s military team
- Idris Elba as Lekan
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran, the ruthless ruler who outlawed magic
- Regina King as Queen Nehanda
- Lashana Lynch as Jumoke, Zélie and Tzain’s mother
- Zackary Momoh as Adetayo
- Diaana Babnicova as Folake
- Bukky Bakray as Binta
Additional cast members confirmed without publicly detailed character names include Saniyya Sidney, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Ayodeji, and Temi Fagbenle. Several of the Nigerian-based actors joined the production through an open casting call.
Casting Controversy and Adeyemi’s Exit From Promotion
The casting of Mbedu and Stenberg drew online criticism in early 2025 over colorism concerns tied to how the characters are described in the novel. Stenberg addressed the backlash in a video at the time, saying Adeyemi had personally supported her casting.
That account later came into conflict with statements from Adeyemi herself. In July 2026, Adeyemi said she had distanced herself from the project entirely. She stated she would not promote or watch the finished film and described leaving the set “hyperventilating and sobbing,” citing ongoing behind-the-scenes difficulties. Screenshots she shared reportedly showed a message telling Stenberg not to contact her again, followed by Adeyemi blocking the actor. She remains credited for her earlier writing and executive producing work on the film.
Despite the tension, Prince-Bythewood said at a July 2026 trailer launch event that she aimed to make the cast reflect “all the beautiful hues” of the African diaspora. The dispute has fueled ongoing fan debate over representation and colorism ahead of the film’s release.
Production Background
Gina Prince-Bythewood directs the film from a screenplay she co-wrote with Adeyemi. Producers include Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Karen Rosenfelt, and Matt Jackson. Principal photography wrapped in June 2025 after filming in locations including Lagos.
Paramount and the production team have continued forward with the planned release despite Adeyemi’s public break from the promotional side of the project.
Trailer and Release Timeline
The official trailer arrived in late July 2026, roughly seven years after Paramount first optioned the novel. It shows the film emphasizing large-scale fantasy action and confirms the January 15, 2027 theatrical date. Prince-Bythewood has described the challenge of making the story’s magic system feel authentically cultural rather than generic.
Paramount previewed early footage at CinemaCon in April 2026, signaling a significant marketing push ahead of the January release. “Children of Blood and Bone” opens in theaters and IMAX on January 15, 2027.
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