Heat vision
Thuso Mbidu, Amandla Stenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Regina King also star in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s film, which debuted at CinemaCon.

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Gina Prince-Bythewood’s first film since 2022 The woman king He arrived, and he also brought the director Children of blood and bones to Paramount’s CinemaCon screening on Thursday.
Prince-Bythewood took the stage alongside stars Thuso Mbidu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Regina King to provide a first look at the film, which is set in an African fantasy kingdom where a young woman (Mbidu) goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people. She and her brother (Tosin Cole) ally with the king’s daughter and son to fight against his brutal rule.
“Movies like this don’t come around very often,” Ejiofor told the audience. “It’s time for me to be king.”
Hall indicated that she was quick to sign up for the film and explained that “black girls deserve to see themselves in the worlds of wonder, strength and imagination.”
Prince-Bythewood added: “I am honored to bring this amazing best-selling fantasy book to life.”
The team revealed the first trailer, which features Viola Davis offering comfort as she expresses: “They don’t hate you. They hate what you’re supposed to become.”
Steinberg offers the following warning: “Your lives are in danger—you and your people.” Later, in a romantic scene, Idris says: “You broke me.”
The film is an adaptation of the best-selling YA novel by Tomi Adeyemi, and the author has teamed up with Prince Bythewood to write the screenplay. It also stars Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zachary Momoh, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Idris Elba, and is scheduled to hit theaters on January 15, 2027.
Filming took place in South Africa and included an opening call for actors living in Nigeria for additional roles. “I am honored and excited to bring Tommy on board Children of blood and bones And the vibrant world of Orisha,” Prince-Bythewood said in a statement at the time of the film’s announcement. “Our amazing collection reflects the entire diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”
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