Orïsha is almost here. Paramount Pictures has released a new trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, the big-screen adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s best-selling fantasy novel.
Damson Idris plays Prince Inan, the crown prince determined to wipe out magic for good. Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tosin Cole join him in an all-star cast. The film opens in theaters January 15, 2027.
The story is set in Orïsha, a West African-inspired kingdom where magic was violently stripped from the land. Zélie, played by Thuso Mbedu, lost her mother in the purge and now has one chance to bring magic back and strike against the monarchy. She teams up with her brother Tzain, played by Cole, and Princess Amari, a rogue royal played by Amandla Stenberg. To succeed, she has to outmaneuver Inan while learning to control her own powers and fighting her growing feelings for the enemy.
The cast also includes Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Regina King and Viola Davis. Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji and Tèmítópé Fágbénlé round it out.
Gina Prince-Bythewood, who directed The Woman King, directs from a screenplay she wrote with Adeyemi.
The trailer also gives fans a first listen to the film’s music. It features snippets of African Love Story, the lead single from Tems, the Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer who is executive music producer of the soundtrack. She wrote and performs the song, which arrives November 20 via RCA Records.
Paramount also revealed the soundtrack’s guest features, and the lineup reads like a who’s who of African music. Burna Boy, who also serves as the film’s executive music consultant, appears alongside Fireboy DML, BNXN, Kold AF, Ayra Starr, Obongjayar, Moelogo, Daecolm, Pa Salieu, Show Dem Camp and Moonchild Sanelly.
Adeyemi’s 2018 novel became a cultural phenomenon and launched the Legacy of Orïsha series, followed by Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy.
Children of Blood and Bone opens only in theaters Jan. 15, 2027.
