Children of Blood and Bone (film)
Fantasy film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's novel.
Children of Blood and Bone is an American fantasy film in development by Paramount Pictures, based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 novel. Gina Prince-Bythewood directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi. The cast includes Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis.
The project began when Fox 2000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment optioned the novel in March 2017, before its publication. Rick Famuyiwa was announced as director in February 2019. After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in March 2019, Fox 2000 was shuttered. The film was later developed at Paramount Pictures, with no official confirmation of Lucasfilm involvement beyond early discussions. Kay Oyegun was hired to write the script in August 2019. In late 2021, the project was put in turnaround at Fox, and Paramount Pictures acquired the rights in January 2022, guaranteeing an exclusive theatrical release. Temple Hill Entertainment and Sunswept Entertainment produced, with Adeyemi writing the script and serving as executive producer. In December 2023, Gina Prince-Bythewood was hired to direct and further develop the script.
Casting began in September 2024, with Thuso Mbedu in the lead. In January 2025, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, and Chiwetel Ejiofor joined, while Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray were in negotiations. In March, Saniyya Sidney, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayra Starr, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, and Temi Fagbenle completed the cast.
Principal photography has not yet begun, and no official start or end dates have been announced. Terence Blanchard is set to compose the score.
The casting of Stenberg and Mbedu drew online backlash over colorism, as they are lighter-skinned than their novel counterparts.
- Director
- Gina Prince-Bythewood
- Screenplay by
- Gina Prince-Bythewood and Tomi Adeyemi
- Based on
- 2018 novel by Tomi Adeyemi
- Release date
- TBA
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- Composer
- Terence Blanchard
Lore & Background
The film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone was first optioned in March 2017 by Fox 2000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment. After Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the project was developed at Fox 2000 before moving to Paramount Pictures, with no credible reporting of Lucasfilm involvement beyond early discussions. Kay Oyegun was hired to write the script in August 2019. The project was put in turnaround in late 2021, and Paramount Pictures acquired the rights in January 2022, with Adeyemi writing the script and serving as executive producer. Gina Prince-Bythewood was hired to direct in December 2023. No official release date has been confirmed.
Reader's Guide
The film's casting, announced in 2024 and 2025, sparked online backlash over colorism, as Thuso Mbedu and Amandla Stenberg are lighter-skinned than their characters in the novel. Stenberg responded in a February 2025 TikTok video, stating that Adeyemi wanted her in the role. In July 2026, Adeyemi revealed she had distanced herself from the adaptation, blocked Stenberg on social media, and said she would not watch the film, describing her experience on set as 'the worst thing I have ever had to live through.' A Vanity Fair report in August 2026 attributed the rift to Adeyemi's strained relationship with Stenberg, stemming from disapproval of Stenberg's TikTok response and tensions during Adeyemi's cameo filming. Principal photography took place in Lagos from February to June 2025. The film is scheduled for release on January 15, 2027, including IMAX engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Children of Blood and Bone (film)?
It is an American fantasy film in development at Paramount Pictures, adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's 2018 novel of the same name. Gina Prince-Bythewood directs and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Adeyemi.
Who is directing Children of Blood and Bone (film)?
Gina Prince-Bythewood is attached as both director and co-screenwriter, working the adaptation together with the novel's author. She stepped in after the project went through earlier development changes, including an initial directorial attachment to Rick Famuyiwa in 2019.
What source material is Children of Blood and Bone (film) based on?
The film is a screen adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's 2018 fantasy novel. Fox 2000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment secured the rights in March 2017, before the book was even published, and the project has since moved under the Paramount Pictures banner.
When will Children of Blood and Bone (film) be released?
No official release date has been set; the film remains in development as of now. Terence Blanchard is attached to compose the score, but a theatrical window has yet to be confirmed by the studio.
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