Paramount Pictures has released a new trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, the highly anticipated fantasy adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel. The film is scheduled to open exclusively in theatres and IMAX on 15 January 2027.
The official account for the movie shared the trailer alongside a striking new ensemble poster. The artwork places the full cast against a dramatic landscape of Orïsha at sunset, with the tagline “To defeat an empire, rise as one.” The film was shot for IMAX, a detail the studio is emphasising in its promotional campaign.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi, the story is set in the fictional West African-inspired kingdom of Orïsha. It follows a young woman named Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a quest to restore magic to her people after it was violently suppressed by the ruling class. Zélie allies with her brother and the children of the oppressive king in an effort to challenge his brutal regime.
Casts of the Movie
Thuso Mbedu leads the cast as Zélie. Damson Idris portrays Prince Inan, Amandla Stenberg plays Princess Amari, and Tosin Cole appears as Tzain. The supporting ensemble includes several high-profile performers: Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran, Regina King as Queen Nehanda, Idris Elba and Viola Davis. Additional cast members listed in the latest promotional materials include Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr and others.
The new trailer features a fresh song, “African Love Song,” connected to soundtrack executive music producer Tems. Earlier promotional materials had already given audiences a first look at the world of Orïsha, its costumes, landscapes and action sequences. The latest footage continues to build anticipation by focusing on the central characters’ journey and the high stakes of their rebellion.
Adeyemi’s 2018 novel became a global phenomenon, topping bestseller lists and spawning two sequels that completed the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. The book’s blend of West African mythology, magic, political oppression and coming-of-age themes resonated strongly with readers, particularly younger audiences.
The film adaptation has been in development for several years, with Prince-Bythewood attached as director following her work on The Woman King.
The January 2027 release date positions the movie in a relatively quiet post-holiday window. Paramount is banking on the combination of a proven literary property, an experienced director of large-scale historical and action films, and a star-heavy ensemble to draw audiences to both standard and IMAX screens.
Production companies involved include Temple Hill Entertainment, Sunswept Entertainment and Jackson Pictures. The film is expected to run approximately 146 minutes. Filming took place in locations that allowed the production to create the distinctive visual identity of Orïsha, with its mix of vibrant cultural details and dramatic natural settings.
Public Reaction
Fan interest has remained high since the project was first announced. The official social media channels have steadily shared posters, cast announcements and behind-the-scenes updates. The decision to release a second trailer several months before the premiere is a standard strategy for building momentum on a major fantasy title.
Prince-Bythewood’s previous films have demonstrated her ability to handle large casts, intense action and emotionally grounded storytelling. Her collaboration with Adeyemi on the screenplay is intended to keep the adaptation closely aligned with the spirit of the source material while translating it into a cinematic experience suitable for the big screen.
As the marketing campaign intensifies, more footage and featurettes are likely to follow in the coming weeks. For now, the new trailer and ensemble poster offer the clearest look yet at the finished film. Children of Blood and Bone arrives in theatres and IMAX on 15 January 2027, inviting audiences into the world of Orïsha where magic, resistance and destiny collide.
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