The First Trailer for Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Fantasy Epic Showcases Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Viola Davis, Regina King and a Powerhouse Ensemble Cast
The long-awaited first trailer for “Children of Blood and Bone” has arrived, offering audiences their most expansive look yet at the magical African kingdom of Orïsha.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the ambitious fantasy adaptation stars Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola, a young woman who embarks on a dangerous mission to restore the magic violently taken from her people.
The trailer presents sweeping landscapes, elaborate battle sequences and mystical powers as Zélie prepares to challenge the brutal monarchy controlling her homeland.
Zélie is joined on her journey by her older brother, Tzain, portrayed by Tosin Cole. The siblings eventually form an unlikely alliance with Princess Amari and Prince Inan, played by Amandla Stenberg and Damson Idris.
Amari and Inan are the children of the merciless King Saran, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Together, the four young characters become central figures in an escalating fight over the future of Orïsha.
The movie is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling 2018 young-adult novel, the first installment in her “Legacy of Orïsha” trilogy. Drawing inspiration from West African mythology, the story explores oppression, resistance, cultural identity and the struggle to reclaim a stolen legacy.
Mbedu leads one of the most prominent ensembles assembled for a modern fantasy production.
The cast also includes Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Regina King, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Bukky Bakray, singer Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji and WNBA player Tèmítópé Fágbénlé.
King portrays Queen Nehanda, while Davis appears as Mama Agba, one of the figures guiding Zélie as she learns to control her abilities. Paramount’s trailer is set to Beyoncé’s “ENERGY” and emphasizes the production’s action, costuming and large-scale world-building.
Tomi Adeyemi Distances Herself From the Film
The trailer’s release follows public tension between Adeyemi and people connected to the adaptation.
Adeyemi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Prince-Bythewood, recently shared a since-deleted TikTok video encouraging readers to support her original novels by purchasing them through independent bookstores.
She also posted what appeared to be a private exchange with Stenberg.
“Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again,” Adeyemi wrote in the message. “Do not text me. Do not call me.”
Adeyemi did not publicly explain the full circumstances behind the dispute but made clear that she would not promote or watch the finished movie.
“There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all,” she wrote.
In a subsequent post, Adeyemi said she had not seen the film and did not intend to watch it.
“It’s been painful holding this back from you all,” she wrote. “And I’m sorry if any of you thought I didn’t care about US. More than any glitter.”
Despite the behind-the-scenes controversy, the debut trailer is generating attention for Prince-Bythewood’s interpretation of Orïsha and the production’s extensive cast of acclaimed Black actors.
“Children of Blood and Bone” opens in theaters and IMAX on Jan. 15, 2027.
Watch the official trailer through Paramount Pictures.
