Paramount Pictures its official trailer has been released Children of blood and bone, Gina Prince-Bythewoodscreen adjustment Tomi Adeyemi2018 fantasy novel. The trailer introduces the kingdom of Orïsha, where Zélie Adebola begins a quest to restore the magic that King Saran forcibly took from her people. Paramount will bring the film to theaters and IMAX on January 15, 2027.
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The story follows Zélie and her brother Tzain as they join Princess Amari and Prince Inan, the king’s daughter and son. Together, they challenge Saran’s brutal rule and confront the forces that support his campaign against magic. Adeyemi’s novel launched the Legacy of Orïsha series and drew inspiration from West African mythology.
Help Mbedu leads the film as Zélie, with Although Cole as Tzain, Power Stenberg as Princess Amari and Damson Idris as Prince Inan. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays King Saran, while Regina King takes the side of Queen Nehada. Viola Davis appearing as Mama Agba, Idris Elba plays Lekan, Cynthia Erivo plays Admiral Kaea and Lasana Leeds joins as Jumoke.
The cast also includes Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Saniyya Sidney, Diana Babnicova, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji and Temitope Fagbenle. The trailer gives several cast members prominent moments establishing the scale of the conflict in Orissa.
Prince-Bythewood is directing the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi. In a July 2026 interview, the director said that Adeyemi wrote the first draft before Prince-Bythewood joined the project and developed her own version. Prince-Bythewood also said that Adeyemi responded positively to this draft during their previous partnership.
Adeyemi has since distanced herself from the full-fledged adaptation. In July 2026, he said he had not seen the film and would not be watching it. She described harrowing behind-the-scenes experiences and said she wanted to disassociate her name from the production.
The author told readers they could still watch the film and encouraged supporters to purchase the book trilogy through independent bookstores. Her comments create a significant gap between her previous involvement with the script and her current relationship with the adaptation.
The trailer focuses on Zélie’s struggle to reclaim magic, her alliance with the royal brothers, and the threat posed by Saran’s rule. It features battle sequences, fire, creatures and grand settings as Prince-Bythewood brings Orïsha to the screen. The footage also gives the main cast their first extended introduction ahead of the theatrical release.
Children of Blood and Bone will arrive exclusively in theaters and IMAX on January 15, 2027.
