Award-winning author Tomi Adeyemi has confirmed that Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Ayra Starr will appear in the upcoming movie adaptation of her bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone. Adeyemi shared the news on March 7, 2025, through her social media pages, sparking excitement among fans and the entertainment industry.
Filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, best known for The Woman King, will direct the film. The team plans to release the movie in early 2027. With a star-studded cast and strong West African mythology influences, the project has already created major buzz.
Hollywood and Nollywood Unite for the Film
The cast features Thuso Mbedu as Zélie and Damson Idris as Prince Inan. Academy Award winner Viola Davis will play Mama Agba, while Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, and Chiwetel Ejiofor will add star power.
To ensure authenticity, the production team held an open casting call in Nigeria to include local talent. Adeyemi’s decision reflects her commitment to accurate representation.
RMD, a veteran Nollywood actor, has delivered standout performances in 30 Days in Atlanta and The Black Book. His role in the adaptation will add cultural depth to the story. Meanwhile, Ayra Starr, a fast-rising Afrobeats artist, will make her acting debut. Adeyemi’s excitement suggests they will play significant roles, though the filmmakers have not disclosed their characters.
The Success of Children of Blood and Bone
Adeyemi published Children of Blood and Bone in 2018 under Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. The novel introduces a West African-inspired fantasy world where Zélie Adebola fights to restore magic in Orïsha.
The book explores racism, oppression, and identity, earning widespread praise for its storytelling. It debuted at #1 on the New York Times Young Adult Best Sellers list and stayed on the chart for 175 weeks. To date, the trilogy has sold nearly three million copies worldwide.
Major Awards and Critical Acclaim
Children of Blood and Bone won multiple literary awards, including:
- 2018 Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy
- 2019 Waterstones Book Prize
- 2019 Hugo Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book
The novel’s influence has gone beyond literature, sparking conversations about diversity in young adult fiction. Adeyemi continued the series with Children of Virtue and Vengeance (2019) and Children of Anguish and Anarchy (2024).
A Landmark Film for African Fantasy
The adaptation promises to transform African fantasy cinema by merging Hollywood production quality with Nigerian storytelling and culture. Adeyemi’s creative vision, combined with an acclaimed director and an outstanding cast, could set a new standard for African-inspired fantasy films.
As anticipation grows, fans eagerly await more details, including the official trailer and release date. With a strong cast and powerful storytelling, Children of Blood and Bone promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience.
