Zélie Adeola, played by Thuso Mbedu, learns about her magical history in the first full-length trailer for the Afrofuturistic “Children of Blood and Bone,” released Tuesday. 

The film is an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s novel of the same name. The young adult romantasy also stars Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejofor, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba and Viola Davis.

It 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 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.

The trailer explains how enemies of Orïsha sought to get rid of its magic. Zélie’s mother appears to be attacked by those who mistrust the magic and Zélie, herself, loses her own magic.

Last month, there was some drama when 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

Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development.