Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s first film since 2022’s The Woman King has arrived, as the filmmaker brought Children of Blood and Bone to Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation on Thursday.
Prince-Bythewood took the stage alongside stars Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Regina King to offer up a first-look at the feature, which is set in an African fantasy kingdom as a young woman (Mbedu) goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people. She and her brother (Tosin Cole) ally with the daughter and son of the king to fight back against his brutal rule.
“Movies like this don’t come around often,” Ejiofor told the crowd. “It was time for me to be a king.”
Hall noted that she was quick to sign up for the film and explained, “Black girls deserve to see themselves in worlds of wonder, power and imagination.”
Added Prince-Bythewood, “I’m honored to bring this incredible best-selling fantasy book to life.”
The team unveiled the first trailer, featuring Viola Davis providing comfort as she expresses, “They don’t hate you. They hate what you are meant to become.”
Stenberg offers the warning, “Your life is in danger — you and your people.” Later, in a romantic scene, Idris says, “You have unraveled me.”
The film is an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s best-selling YA novel, and the author teamed with Prince-Bythewood to write the script. Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Idris Elba also star, with a theatrical release set for Jan. 15, 2027.
Filming took place in South Africa and featured an opening casting call seeking actors living in Nigeria for additional roles. “I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orisha to life,” Prince-Bythewood said in a statement at the time of the film’s announcement. “Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”
