Naija Talents

Nigerian talent is once again stepping onto the global stage as Children of Blood and Bone, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel, prepares to hit cinemas and IMAX on January 15, 2027.

The fantasy epic takes audiences into Orïsha, a fictional world heavily inspired by West African culture and mythology. The story follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman on a mission to restore magic that was violently taken from her people. Along the way, she joins forces with her brother Tzain, Princess Amari and Prince Inan in a fight that puts power, family, identity and the future of their kingdom on the line.

But what has many Nigerians particularly excited is the number of Nigerian talents appearing in the Hollywood production.

The cast includes familiar Nigerian names such as Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ayra Starr, Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba, alongside other talents connected to the production.

For Ayra Starr, the film represents another step into acting following her appearance in Christmas in Lagos. For veteran actor RMD, it is another opportunity to take Nigerian talent onto an even bigger international stage.

The Nigerian connection goes beyond the cast. Children of Blood and Bone was also filmed in Lagos, with production taking place in Nigeria in 2025. The filmmakers have incorporated real locations, practical sets and visual elements influenced by African culture to help bring the world of Orïsha to life.

A Story Rooted in African Culture

Children of Blood and Bone is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 bestselling novel, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series.

The story draws inspiration from Yoruba culture while creating its own fantasy kingdom, characters and mythology. At the centre of the story is Zélie, who lives in a world where magic has been taken away from her people. Her journey becomes a fight to bring magic back and challenge the system that has kept her people powerless.

The movie is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and features a major international cast, including Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lashana Lynch.

The Controversy Behind the Movie

The excitement surrounding the film has also been accompanied by controversy.

One of the major conversations began after Amandla Stenberg was cast as Princess Amari, a character described in the original novel as having dark copper skin. Stenberg is biracial, and her casting led to an online debate about colorism and representation.

Stenberg later addressed the criticism publicly and defended her casting.

The situation became more complicated between Stenberg and author Tomi Adeyemi. In 2025, Stenberg spoke publicly about her casting and referenced a conversation she had previously had with Adeyemi. Adeyemi later shared messages appearing to show her asking Stenberg not to use her name in interviews or videos and not to contact her.

In 2026, Adeyemi publicly distanced herself from the movie adaptation, saying she would not watch the finished film and describing her experience during the production as deeply painful. She also said she was separating her name from the adaptation.

The situation attracted significant attention because Adeyemi was not simply the author of the original book. She was also involved in the screenplay and production. The Writers Guild of America ultimately awarded Adeyemi and Prince-Bythewood shared screenwriting credit.

Despite the controversy surrounding the production, the film is still moving forward and is one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of 2027.

Naija on the Global Stage

Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, Nigerian actors, African-inspired stories or simply love seeing Nigerian talent take up space on the global stage, Children of Blood and Bone is certainly one to watch.

From Lagos to Hollywood, Nigerian talent continues to find its way into major international productions and this time, they are stepping into the magical world of Orïsha.

Save the date: January 15, 2027.

Children of Blood and Bone will be released in theaters and IMAX by Paramount Pictures.