Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on November 12, 2026, 11:07 PM

Filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood has shared a new trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, the upcoming fantasy adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling 2018 novel.

https://youtu.be/s8LvgBXPo_c?si=cvWxw3E8fdcARRfR

On Thursday, November 12, 2026, Prince-Bythewood shared the trailer on her verified Instagram account, @gpbmadeit. The new preview, released by Paramount Pictures, came with the message, “To take down an empire, rise as one,” offering another look at the fictional African kingdom of Orïsha and its struggle against an oppressive monarchy.

South African actress Thuso Mbedu leads the film as Zélie Adebola, a young divîner on a mission to reclaim the magic violently stolen from her people. She joins forces with her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, and royal siblings Princess Amari, portrayed by Amandla Stenberg, and Prince Inan, played by Damson Idris.

Their mission puts them against King Saran, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, whose rule has kept magic suppressed throughout the kingdom.

The film features an international ensemble cast, including Viola Davis as Mama Agba, Idris Elba as Lekan, Regina King as Queen Nehanda, Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke. Nigerian actors Richard Mofe-Damijo, Zackary Momoh and Ayra Starr also appear in the production.

Music is another major part of the project, with Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems serving as executive music producer and curator of the film's soundtrack. The new trailer features a preview of her original song, “African Love Story,” which she wrote and performs. The single is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, through RCA Records.

https://youtu.be/3o4kwlyy3OM?si=tayrGeRqroDUzv6F

Nigerian singer Burna Boy also serves as the film's executive music consultant. Other artists featured on the soundtrack include Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, BNXN, Obongjayar, Show Dem Camp, Moelogo, Pa Salieu, Daecolm, Kold AF and Moonchild Sanelly.

Directed by Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi, the film brings the author's Legacy of Orïsha fantasy world to the big screen. The original novel draws inspiration from West African mythology and explores themes of cultural identity, oppression, courage and the fight to reclaim power.

Children of Blood and Bone will open in US cinemas, Dolby Cinema, premium large formats and IMAX on January 15, 2027, with its wider international theatrical release, including Nigeria, scheduled to begin on January 22, 2027.