Paramount Pictures has officially announced the principal cast for its highly anticipated action fantasy film, Children of Blood and Bone. The film will adapt Tomi Adeyemi’s No. 1 New York Times bestselling novel of the same name. Read more details and check out who’s been casted inside.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), the adaptation of Adeyemi’s #1 New York Times bestselling novel promises to bring the magical world of Orïsha to life. Set to release in IMAX on January 15, 2027, the film features a stellar ensemble that celebrates the breadth of the African diaspora.

Leading the cast is Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King), who stars as Zélie, a young woman on a daring quest to reclaim the magic stolen from her people. Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) plays Amari, the daughter of the oppressive king, who becomes an unlikely ally. Damson Idris (Snowfall) portrays Inan, a prince torn between loyalty and justice, while Tosin Cole (Supacell) takes on the role of Zélie’s fiercely protective brother, Tzain.

The film also boasts powerhouse talent in its supporting roles, including Academy Award winner Viola Davis (The Woman King) as Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) as Admiral Kaea, Idris Elba (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) as Lekan, Lashana Lynch (Bob Marley: One Love) as Jumoke, and Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) as the villainous King Saran.

In negotiations are Regina King (Shirley) as Queen Nehanda, Bukky Bakray (Rocks) as Binta, and rising star Diaana Babnicova (Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot) as Folake. Additional casting is set to emerge from an open call for Nigerian actors, emphasizing the film’s commitment to authenticity.

The movie is produced by Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Karen Rosenfelt, and Matt Jackson, with Adeyemi and Reggie Rock Bythewood as executive producers. Prince-Bythewood co-wrote the script with Adeyemi, who expressed her excitement about the adaptation.

Prince-Bythewood shared her excitement about the ensemble cast selections.

“Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora,” Prince-Bythewood said in a statement. “This is where our magic lies.”

Set in a richly imagined African fantasy kingdom, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie and her allies as they fight to restore magic to their people while battling against an oppressive monarchy. The novel, the first in the Legacy of Orïshatrilogy, has sold nearly three million copies worldwide and earned numerous accolades, cementing its place as a modern fantasy classic.

Stay tuned for updates as the film’s production continues finalizing cast, crew and filming.