Latest news with #ChildrenofBloodandBone
The South African
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Thuso Mbedu wraps up filming on 'Children of Blood and Bone'
South African star Thuso Mbedu has officially wrapped filming on the highly anticipated fantasy epic, Children of Blood and Bone. The film, adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel, promises to bring a vibrant African-inspired world to life on the big screen. For Mbedu, who plays the lead role of Zélie Adebola, this marks another exciting chapter in her rising international career. The production is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her acclaimed work on The Woman King , according to Elle The film's schedule was demanding, but Mbedu expressed her gratitude and excitement. 'To know that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people as we tell this great story is truly humbling. I'm so excited. I'm so grateful'. Children of Blood and Bone follows Thuso Mbedu's Zélie, a young woman in the fictional land of Orïsha. She embarks on a quest to restore magic stolen by the tyrannical King Saran. She embarks on this journey alongside her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, and the king's children. The King's children are Princess Amari (Amandla Stenberg) and Prince Inan (Damson Idris). Zélie challenges the oppressive regime to reclaim her people's power. The story's rich West African influences and themes of resilience and hope resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Hollywood heavyweights Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Lashana Lynch. This ensemble reflects a pan-African and diaspora representation, which director Prince-Bythewood highlighted as the source of the film's 'magic.' She said, 'Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies'. For South African audiences, seeing Mbedu lead such a significant project is a moment of pride. Thuso Mbedu has become a beacon of talent and determination, showing that local actors can shine on the global stage without losing their roots. The film's production in South Africa also underscores the country's growing role as a hub for international filmmaking. The filmmakers plan to release the movie in early 2027, and fans are already building anticipation. Both book lovers and newcomers eagerly await seeing how the magical world of Orïsha will come to life on screen. Mbedu's powerful portrayal of Zélie is expected to be a highlight, capturing the fierce spirit and heart of the character. In a recent interview, Adeyemi praised the collaboration with Prince-Bythewood and Thuso Mbedu. 'What Gina does so well is tell these deep, complex stories of women who look like us front and centre. This is especially so with incredible action set pieces and cinematography. It feels divine. It feels bigger than just making this project. We're really in sync'. As the cameras stop rolling, the journey for Children of Blood and Bone is just beginning. South Africa can proudly claim Thuso Mbedu's success as a shining example of local talent making waves globally. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Elle
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
There's Big News From the ‘Children of Blood and Bone' Set
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. One of the most celebrated YA novels in recent history—Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone—is finally making its way to the big screen. The first installment in Adeyemi's Legacy of Orïsha fantasy trilogy, the book (and its follow-ups) have become enormous hits, and Paramount Pictures has brought in an impressive talent line-up to shepherd the adaptation. In 2024, Adeyemi told ELLE that there was 'so much happening' with the film, the rights to which Fox 2000 initially acquired in 2017, prior to the book's publication. But after the Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox, a series of transitions eventually led to the rights expiring, and Paramount Pictures scooped up Children of Blood and Bone in 2022. Since then, Variety reports, 'The project has been a top priority for the studio leadership.' Here's what we know about the film so far. Adeyemi's story follows Zélie Adebola as a young woman in the West African-inspired land of Orïsha, where magic has been all but erased thanks to King Saran's persecution of Zélie's brethren. Zélie must team up with her brother, Tzain, as well as the king's children—Princess Amari and Prince Inan—to take control of their powers, rebel against the monarchy, and restore magic to their land. Children of Blood and Bone has a stacked ensemble. Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, and Damson Idris will round out the film's leads, with Mbedu (The Woman King) as Zélie; Cole (The Force Awakens) as Zélie's older brother, Tzain; Stenberg (The Acolyte) as Princess Amari; and Idris (Snowfall) as Prince Inan. Joining them are Viola Davis as Mama Agba; Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran; Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea; Idris Elba as Lekan; and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke. Readers, fret not. Adeyemi is heavily involved in the adaptation of her beloved series, executive producing and co-writing the script alongside director Gina Prince-Bythewood, equally beloved for her work directing such films as Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, The Old Guard, and The Woman King. Adeyemi described working with Prince-Bythewood in a 2024 ELLE interview. 'She's the calmest force of nature I've ever witnessed and collaborating with her has been so much fun,' Adeyemi said. 'What Gina does so well is tell these deep, complex stories of women who look like us front and center, with incredible action set pieces, incredible cinematography. It feels divine. It feels bigger than [just] making this project. We're really in sync.' Yes. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 15, 2027. Yes! On June 2, director Gina Prince-Bythewood posted a carousel on Instagram with photos of her and the cast with the caption, 'That is a Wrap on production! 74 days. Two countries and two islands. A passionate and dedicated crew. And an extraordinary cast who gave EVERYTHING. And the journey has just begun…' This story will be updated.
