Meet the Cast of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’: Who Stars in the Anticipated Movie?
In the magical kingdom of Orïsha, magic once thrived, but that was right until a tyrant king tried to wipe it out for good. The story itself is centered on Zelie, a young maji determined to bring it back. Alongside her brother and a pair of royal siblings turned unlikely allies, she starts a rebellion that could change the course of their future. That’s the premise that Children of Blood and Bone is built on. The upcoming fantasy movie, which is an adaptation of a bestselling book series by Tomi Adeyemi, is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. All in all, the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy is set to kick off in epic fashion when it premieres on January 15, 2027.
With a cast this stacked, it’s no surprise expectations are sky-high. Thuso Mbedu leads as Zelie, joined by Damson Idris and Tosin Cole. Further raising the bar are heavy-hitters like Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. There’s also Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray who add even more depth to this already powerhouse ensemble. Here’s a closer look at what they each bring to the table.
Viola Davis as Mama Agba
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
Viola Davis — one of the few performers to bag the coveted EGOT will take on the role of Mama Agba in Children of Blood and Bone. In a nutshell, the character is the fierce mentor and warrior trainer who guides the girls of Eloirin, a sort of nod to her role in The Woman King. Long before casting even began, author Tomi Adeyemi made it clear that Davis was her dream choice for the role. Now that it’s official, expectations for a stellar performance are through the roof because with Davis in the mix, viewers are guaranteed a layered and intense performance.
The actress has gained recognition for her award-winning performances in films like Help and Fences, earning her an Academy Award in 2017 for Best Supporting Actress. She also proved her versatility in her performance in The Woman King, where she starred alongside Thuso Mbedu and Lashana Lynch.
Thuso Mbedu as Zelie
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
This won’t be the first time Mbedu will work with the director, and with Mama Agba as her mentor. So, audiences expect another powerful performance from the fast-rising South African actress. Her former roles as Cora in Amazon’s limited series The Underground Railroad and Nawi in The Woman King prove it.
Damson Idris as Prince Inan
Image Credit: FX Networks
Bringing depth to the role of the prince of Orisha is the famed Snowfall actor Damson Idris. Inan is charged with stopping the children from bringing back magic. In the process, the skilled swordsman is forced to make difficult choices that will shape the fate of both his kingdom and the revolution.
Idris gained wide acclaim for his stellar performances in Farming and Outside the Wire. The British-Nigerian actor also delivered a masterclass performance as Franklin in Snowfall, which earned him an NAACP Image Award. He’s one actor to look out for in the forthcoming film.
Tosin Cole as Tzain
Image Credit: BBC Studios
Tosin Cole will play Zelie’s overprotective older brother, Tzain, who joins her on the quest to restore magic to the village. His loyalty and willingness to protect his sister make him stand out. Countless times, he’s proven that he’s willing to sacrifice everything to help make his sister’s quest achievable.
If Cole looks familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen him in 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII “The Force Awakens,” Supacell, and 2024’s Bob Marley: One Love. It’s safe to assume that his commanding presence as Ryan Sinclair in Doctor Who and 61st Street will lend strength to his character as Tzain.
Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox
In the upcoming Children of Blood and Bone movie, Amandla Stenberg is set to play Princess Amari, a strong and kind-hearted royal who doesn’t approve of the way her family treated the maji. Though she grew up in the palace, she wants nothing to do with the violence her father has incited. That’s why she teams up with Zélie and Tzain to bring magic back and stand up to the king.
Stenberg is known for her roles in The Hunger Games, Sleepy Hollow, and Everything Everything. She received high praised for her performance in the crime drama, The Hate U Give and further acclaim for her roles in the 2022 comedy horror film Bodies Bodies Bodies and the Star Wars series, The Acolyte.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran
Image Credit: Showtime
In a production like this, a compelling villain is everything, in this case Chiwetel Ejiofor steps up to the plate. He plays the ruler of Orisha, King Saran. His unquenched lust for power made him establish a reign of terror all over the land. The god of war, Ogun, grants him immense power, making him a formidable villain.
Known for his portrayal as Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave, the British actor is a recipient of the Laurence Oliver Award and the British Academy Film Award. He has earned several other nominations, including five Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea
Image Credit: Universal Studios
Admiral Kaea, played by Cynthia Erivo, is the fierce and no-nonsense leader of Inan’s army, which makes her one of the biggest threats against the maji. According to the books, her motivations change somewhere down the line. But one thing is for sure, she plays a huge part in the coming revolution.
Following her highly acclaimed performance as Elphaba in 2024’s Wicked, a lot is expected of Erivo. Her terrific performance as The Wicked Witch of the West earned her a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture- Musical or Comedy and the Academy Award for Best Actress. Also, her portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple changed course of her career, bagging her several awards, including the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Idris Elba as Lekan
Image Credit: Apple TV+
According to the author, when she was writing the part of King Saran, she always pictured him as King Saran. He was cast as Lekan, the brave last high priest of the maji who survived the Raid. Lekan serves as the spiritual guardian of the maji and magic as a whole. He also guides and teaches Zelie about the maji.
Best known for his critically acclaimed role as the ruthless warlord in Netflix’s Beasts of No Nation, Elba is one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors with his films grossing over $9.8 billion at the global box office. So, it’s no surprise that he has received several awards and nominations, including one for his leading role in the Apple TV+ thriller series Hijack.
Lashana Lynch as Jumoke
Image Credit: Universal Pictures
Lashana Lynch is set to play Jumoke, Zelie and Tzain’s warm and powerful mother. She’s a member of the Iku Clan, known as the Reapers — maji who can connect with and control the spirits of the living and the dead. Fierce when it counts but as nurturing as they come, Jumoke is the kind of mom who can cast a spell and give a hug all in one breath.
The actress is celebrated for her role as Rosaline Capulet in Still Star-Crossed, which earned her the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2022, Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel, No Time to Die, and Izogie in The Woman King. Doubt if she has motherly traits? Then check her out in Matilda the Musical.
Regina King as Queen Nehanda
Image Credit: Netflix
According to Variety, Regina King is in talks to play the cunning and ruthless partner of King Saran, Queen Nehanda. She is equally Amari and Inan’s mother. Based on the book, Queen Nehanda doesn’t just know how powerful she is, she knows how to use it too. It would appear that she has magical powers as well.
With an Oscar win up her sleeve, King will add more prestige to the cast. Her stellar acting skills have been put on display in several Hollywood blockbusters, including Boyz n the Hood and If Beale Street Could Talk, for which she earned critical acclaim and also the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also received four Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in the ABC show American Crime, Netflix’s Seven Seconds, and HBO’s Watchmen.
