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Elle
3 days ago
- 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.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Trevor Noah questioned over silence on Trump's claim of ‘white genocide' in SA
Last year, Noah said he still kept up with what's happening in South Africa, despite being out of the country. Comedian Trevor Noah has been accused of not being patroitic enough. Picture: Stephen McCarthy / Getty Images US actress Viola Davis' comments on Donald Trump's claims of a white genocide in South Africa have led to accusations that comedian Trevor Noah is not patriotic enough. Davis, who has visited Mzansi many times and has always expressed her affection for the country, recently expressed her anger at Trump's utterances about white people being murdered in South Africa. 'Spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban… there is no argument. There is no justification. I've seen the ravages of apartheid. I've seen the townships — all Black. Full stop,' wrote Davis in response to a CNN roundtable discussion about alleged genocide in the country. The discussion took place after President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House last week, accompanied by a delegation. ALSO READ: PICS: 'The Woman King' star Viola Davis celebrates birthday in Cape Town Why Trevor Noah could be a target Other international South African celebrities, like Black Coffee and Charlize Theron, have been roped in, but Noah has seemingly taken the brunt. The criticism of Noah most likely stems from his role as the host of The Daily Show, where he has torn into the day's politics through satire. This has set an expectation that he should always comment on some of the biggest political activities. Last year, Noah told Radio 702 that he still follows what happens in South Africa, despite being out of the country. 'First and foremost, it's always home. My friends are here, my family is here, so the conversations are about what's happening here. I follow the politics, I follow the news…the only things you have to experience yourself are widespread load shedding, a traffic jam [that turns] into a roadblock,' said Noah at the time. Some South Africans seem to be irked by his silence, especially when he's aware of what is happening. World renowned South African celebrities such as Trevor Noah, Charlize Theron and DJ Black Coffee have South Africans asking where their voices are as African-American actress Viola Davis shows support for SA among an onslaught of misinformation from the USA. — All Things Current Affairs (@A_T_C_A) May 26, 2025 One person on X counted all of Noah's social media numbers—his Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages—and said Noah should have refuted Trump's claims because of his global influence. ALSO READ: 'It was very lonely': Trevor Noah reflects on his time on 'The Daily Show' Outspoken Black Americans A group of 59 white South Africans recently landed in the US after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration. Several Americans have commented on this, slamming the fiasco. US rapper Vic Mensa recently went on TikTok to give a brief lesson on the history of modern-day South Africa in a video titled 'South Africa, Colonization, and the Right to Exist.' #southafrica #colonization ♬ original sound – Vic Mensa @vicmensa does the colonizer have the right to exist? nations & empires are founded by conquest, not by god given right during my time in south africa i wrote a few essays, i think ill post one on substack later – let me know if you want me to send it to you #colonizer 'By now I'm sure we've all seen the foolishness of white South African 'refugees' escaping an imaginary genocide,' he said in the intro of the video. 'When I was in South Africa one of the most infuriating things was learning that the European 10% minority of the population held 90% of the wealth, that sh*t boiled my f*cken blood,' shared the rapper. Social commentator Dan Corder took to social media to clarify the situation. Seasoned comedian DL Hughley initially shared Corder's video, which was liked by Davis and US comedian Wanda Sykes. NOW READ: 'Never say never' — Jack Parow speaks on refugee status amid European success
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘I stand with my brothers and sisters in SA': Viola Davis slams ‘white genocide' narrative
American actress Viola Davis has joined the chorus of voices condemning the unfounded narrative about a 'white genocide' in SA. The claims, recently pushed by US President Donald Trump, suggest white Afrikaners are being persecuted, which led him to provide them with refugee status. Viola took to social media to express her solidarity with the people of SA, sharing a video clip of CNN anchor Abby Phillip shutting down the 'white genocide' claims. 'It's not true there's a white genocide in South Africa,' Abby said. 'Most people killed on farms are black. Where is the concern about that? Why are you more concerned about white people?' Viola echoed her sentiments, citing her personal experiences in SA. 'I spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban. There is no argument. There is no justification. I've seen the ravages of apartheid. I've seen the townships — all black. Full stop,' she said. 'Thank you, Abby, for speaking truth to power. I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa. Ngiyakuthanda (I love you).' The actress has always expressed her deep connection with SA. She filmed the Hollywood blockbuster The Woman King in South Africa. Her appreciation for African culture is evident in her fashion choices, often embracing African prints and jewellery. Viola has also expressed admiration for SA struggle heroes, including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She previously described Winnie as 'a woman who epitomised how the power of a woman's love, intelligence and vision can change a culture.' She said the archbishop was a 'titan' for civil rights.
The South African
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
‘MY MOMMY': Meet Viola Davis' mother on her birthday (pictures)
Viola Davis and her mother. Image via Instagram @violadavis American actress Viola Davis celebrated her mother's birthday on Instagram. Viola Davis remains one of the most famous actors worldwide, appearing in many movies. Top movies like The Woman King, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and Giving Voice are among them. Over the years, she has won many accolades, including the Tripple Crown of Acting and EGOT. With so much popularism, Viola kept her private life to herself, but this time, she shared pictures of her mother. Viola Davis. Image via Instagram @violadavis MEET VIOLA DAVIS' MOTHER ON HER BIRTHDAY Viola emotionally poured out her heart and celebrated her mother's special day. 'Happy birthday to my heart, soul, and reason for being here…..MY MOMMY!!!!!' she started showing her love. 'I'm Proud to be Mae Alice's daughter. I love you deeply ❤️❤️❤️❤️' she said, finishing by showing her mother some love. After sharing her pictures, some fans celebrated her birthday, calling them lookalikes. MZANSI WISH HER WELL After Viola Davis shared that she celebrated her mother's birthday, her fans also wished her well. @𝙽𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚢 𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚛𝚊 'God bless you and your mama, Viola. Happy HAPPY birthday, Mae Alice! 🥳❤️' @Lydian John/ Hadura/Actor 'Mama… your VIOLA made it❤️❤️❤️ congratulations to YOU for raising a GLOBAL QUEEN 👑 Happy Birthday 🎂🎂🎂' @Deborah Roberts 'Happy birthday, Ms Mae Alice 🎂🎁🎉' @Stephanie McClain 'HBD QUEEN🎂🎉🎊, and thank you for your precious gift to the world, your beautiful daughter, Ms. Viola Davis♥️' DO YOU WANT TO WISH VIOLA'S MOTHER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Guardian
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
G20 review – Viola Davis kicks ass in silly diplomatic hijack thriller
When a G20 summit is hijacked by highly trained mercenaries demanding the adoption of a global cryptocurrency (or something like that, it's not entirely clear), the US president risks life and limb to save the hostages and restore global order. Yep, we're deep into fantasy territory with this preposterous, dumb-as-rocks action picture. Redeeming it slightly is the consistently impressive Viola Davis, who takes the role of President Sutton – former marine, wife, mother and now leader of the free world – far more seriously than it deserves. As anyone who saw The Woman King will know, Davis has a formidable screen presence and serious action chops; for all its silliness, there's plenty of fun to be had watching her slaughter the bad guys amid a diplomatic hail of bullets and canapés. On Amazon Prime
