On Thursday, the social media accounts for the film adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone” shared first look images from the adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s fantasy novel of the same name. 

The young adult romantasy stars Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejofor, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba and Viola Davis.

The star-studded film is set to be released Jan. 15, 2027. 

Adeyemi’s debut Afrofuturistic novel is the first in her “Legacy of Orïsha” trilogy of books. It focuses on Zélie Adebola (Mbedu) as she tries to bring magic back to the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, an alternate pre-colonial Nigeria. Gina Prince-Bythewood is the film’s director.

A week ago, author Adeyemi answered fans who asked why she wasn’t mentioning the book’s adaptation. She shared screenshots of her answers on TikTok and Instagram. “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work,” she said in one. She also shared a screenshot of a message to Stenberg not to mention her in interviews or call or text her. In addition, she said, “And lastly since someone asked- I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it. It’s been painful holding this back from you all. And I’m sorry if any of you thought I didn’t care. I will always care about US. More than any glitter.”

About the writer

When Daisy Horowitz is not writing about books and their screen adaptations, she enjoys reading romantasy, trying new recipes (her latest obsession is beef jerky) and spending time with her bearded dragon, Pierre.