Significant progress has been made in the development of Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s Children of Blood and Bone. On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, multiple reports indicate the film is set to begin production in South Africa in the coming weeks. Furthermore, the project has secured a release date of January 15th, 2027. Above all else, the cast has been announced and it is star studded. Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thuso Mbedu will star in the last project from the NAACP Image Award winner.
“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 told Deadline. “Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”
Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s Children of Blood and Bone is inspired by Tomi Adeyemi’s novel of the same name. The novel follows the story of Zélie Adebola as she attempts to fight back against her oppressors and restore order and hope to her community.
“Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls,” the book’s description reads. “But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.”
The book sold more than 500,000 copies, earning a place on the New York Times’ Bestseller List and recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time.
