Children of Blood and Bone Finds Zélie New York Times Hit Casts Its Main Hero

Children of Blood and Bone, is the bestselling novel, heading to the big screen at Paramount Pictures. The studio has added four new stars for the film, including our heroine, Zélie Adebola.

Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King), Amandla Stenberg (The Acolyte, Bodies Bodies Bodies), Damson Idris (Snowfall), and Tosin Cole (Supacell, Bob Marley: One Love) are the latest additions to an already star-studded cast.

Children of Blood and Bone is the debut novel by writer Tomi Adeyemi and the first in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Adeyemi is listed in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Children of Blood and Bone is ranked among the top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time.

Adeyemi shared the casting news on Instagram.

Paramount Pictures acquired the film rights to the trilogy in 2022. This West-African-inspired fantasy centers around Zélie Adebola from the kingdom of Orïsha. A place once brimming with magic until King Saran banished all magic and executes all magic users (maji), including Zélie’s mother.

Now, Zélie will embark on a quest to save Orïsha’s magic and end King Saran’s reign for good.

Who’s Potraying Who in Children of Blood and Bone?

Mbedu will take on the role of Zélie, while Cole will portray her brother, Tzain. Stenberg will depict the rogue Princess Amari, whom they ally with on their journey.

Idris embodies Prince Inan, the firstborn son determined to stop Zélie from completing her quest.

They join a legendary ensemble cast that includes:

• EGOT winner Viola Davis as Mama Agba
• Newly Oscar-nominated Wicked star Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea
• Idris Elba (Thor: Love and Thunder, Hijack) as Lekan
• BAFTA winner Lashana Lynch as Jumoke
• Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) as King Saran

Additional unconfirmed actors include four-time Emmy Award-winning Regina King and Bukky Bakray (Rocks).

Children of Blood and Bone will start filming in South Africa soon. Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, Love and Basketball) will direct the film and co-write the screenplay with Adeyemi.

The film will be released in Imax on January 15, 2027.

You can pick up your copy of the novel here.