The first official images from Gina Prince-Bythewood's highly anticipated adaptation of Children of Blood & Bone have been released, but the project is overshadowed by drama.
Entertainment Weekly shared the first official stills from the fantasy epic ‘Children of Blood & Bone’, showcasing elaborate costumes, royal throne scenes, desert landscapes with pink waters, and forest settings inspired by West African mythology. Picture: X, Discussing Film
Paramount Pictures has unveiled the first-look images from Children of Blood & Bone, the forthcoming fantasy epic based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling 2018 novel.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also co-wrote the screenplay with the author, the film is set for release in theatres on 15 January 2027.
The images published by Entertainment Weekly showcase an impressive ensemble cast bringing the mythical kingdom of Orïsha to life. Key visuals include Damson Idris and Thuso Mbedu in ornate warrior attire featuring lion-inspired masks, standing by a vivid pink lake.
Another shot captures Viola Davis in a commanding role alongside a group of women wielding staffs in a rustic indoor setting similar to visuals from her film, The Woman King.
A regal throne room scene features Regina King and Chiwetel Ejiofor in lavish red robes, while Amandla Stenberg sits nearby in a striking crown.
The star-studded line-up also includes Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, and Tosin Cole. The story follows Zelie (played by Thuso Mbedu), a young Diviner on a perilous quest to restore magic to her people after it was violently suppressed by the ruling monarchy.
Behind-the-scenes drama and author’s distancing
Excitement around the project has been tempered by public comments from author Tomi Adeyemi. In July 2026, Adeyemi revealed she would not watch the final film and has distanced herself from the adaptation, citing painful behind-the-scenes experiences.
She also confirmed blocking co-star Amandla Stenberg on social media. Despite co-writing the screenplay, Adeyemi has chosen to separate her name from the production, stating she could no longer endure the reported conflicts.
Principal photography took place in Lagos and wrapped in mid-2025. The film has already generated significant buzz, including footage screened at CinemaCon, highlighting its action-packed sequences and rich cultural aesthetic drawn from Yoruba mythology and West African traditions.
Fans have taken to social media to share reactions to the first-look images, the costumes and production design, while speculating on how the adaptation will capture the novel’s themes of power, heritage, and resistance. Some have also expressed concern over what the accents will sound like.
