Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for its adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone. The upcoming film is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 debut novel, set in the fantastical land of Orïsha. It follows Zélie, a young woman on a quest to reclaim the stolen magic of her people.
According to the film’s synopsis, Zélie is joined on her quest by her brother Tzain, along with the king’s daughter and son, to “fight back against his brutal rule.” The Woman King star Thuso Mbedu leads the film as Zélie, joined by a stellar cast.
Watch the Children of Blood and Bone trailer below (watch more trailers):
Children of Blood and Bone’s first trailer showcases its all-star cast and magical world
The trailer wastes no time showcasing the once-magical setting of Orïsha and how its inhabitants are under a ruthless king’s control. After getting attacked and separated from her mother, Zélie is shown training without her magic to take on the king. At the same time, the king’s son is shown festering hatred for his father’s ways of ruling. It doesn’t take long before Zélie teams up with the others to fight back and restore magic to her people. The trailer’s final moments show Zélie using magic to manifest and control a giant made out of vines to fend off her attackers.
Besides Mbedu, the film also stars Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Amandla Stenberg, and Tosin Cole. Additional cast includes Captain Marvel’s Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, and Viola Davis, among others.
The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood from a screenplay by her and Tomi Adeyemi. It is produced by Wyck Godfrey, John Fischer, Isaac Klausner, Karen Rosenfelt, and Matt Jackson. Jeff Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff, Tomi Adeyemi, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Marty Bowen, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary, Sophie Cassidy, and Zack Conroy serve as executive producers.
Ahead of its release, Children of Blood and Bone has already run into trouble with the original novel’s author distancing herself from the project. Adeyemi did not provide any further details on her decision, stating that she won’t watch the film or promote it.
Children of Blood and Bone releases in theaters on January 15, 2027.
