Excitement is mounting for the movie adaptation of the bestselling young adult novel “Children of Blood and Bone.”

The remarkable cast for the Paramount Pictures film has been unveiled. Variety reports that Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Damson Idris, and Amandla Stenberg are part of the ensemble, alongside Thuso Mbedu (“The Woman King”) and Tosin Cole (“Supacell,” “Doctor Who”) in central roles.

Tomi Adeyemi, the bestselling author, will not only be the screenwriter but also a producer. She confirmed in an Instagram video that Regina King might join the cast, although Variety notes that discussions are still ongoing. Gina Prince-Bythewood, director of “The Woman King,” is set to helm the project in 2023, as reported by Deadline.

YSL News has reached out to Paramount Pictures for additional information.

The original novel, which topped The New York Times bestseller list in 2018, is part of Adeyemi’s “Legacy of Orïsha” series. It follows the journey of Zélie Adebola (played by Mbedu), a girl who loses her magical heritage in the kingdom of Orisha due to a ruthless leader and is tasked with restoring magic to her people.

Cast of the ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Film

The lineup for “Children of Blood and Bone” is like a dream come true for fans, showcasing some of the biggest names in Black Hollywood. Adeyemi envisioned stars like Elba and Davis for their roles long before casting began.

“When I was creating King Saran, I had images of Idris Elba in mind, which is how I always envisioned him,” she shared with the Chicago Tribune in 2018. (Elba has been cast in another role.) “Seeing Viola Davis as Mama Agba — those were my wishes that I cherished.”

The cast includes:

• Thuso Mbedu (Zélie Adebola)
• Tosin Cole (Tzain Adebola)
• Amandla Stenberg (Princess Amari)
• Damson Idris (Prince Inan)
• Chiwetel Ejiofor (King Saran)
• Cynthia Erivo (Admiral Kaea)
• Regina King (Queen Nehanda)*
• Viola Davis (Mama Agba)
• Idris Elba (Lekan)
• Lashana Lynch (Jumoke)

*Not yet officially confirmed, per Variety

Release Date for ‘Children of Blood and Bone’

The film adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone” is set to premiere on January 15, 2027, in IMAX, as reported by Variety.

Synopsis of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’

Adeyemi’s novel is inspired by popular works like Harry Potter, blending elements of West African mythology, Yoruba culture, and the Black American experience.

The story revolves around Zélie as she strives to bring magic back to her homeland, Orïsha, after the oppressive ruling class known as “kosidáns” has cruelly stifled the magic-wielding community called “the maji.”

Additionally, the book explores themes of growing up, parental expectations, and more somber topics such as finding bravery in the face of grief, systemic injustice, prejudice, and the fragility of collective memory.

This novel is the first in a trilogy, followed by “Children of Virtue and Vengeance” in 2019 and “Children of Anguish and Anarchy” set for release in 2024.

Contributing: Charisse Jones