Principal photography and production for the much-anticipated fantasy epic, Children of Blood and Bone, has officially wrapped after an intensive 74-day shoot across South Africa and Spain, marking a significant milestone in the journey to bring Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel to the big screen.
The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, concluded its last day of production earlier this week. Adeyemi is serving as the screenwriter and executive producer for the film.
Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone follows the story of Zélie Adebola, a young girl with latent magical powers, as she fights to restore magic to her people in the fictional land of Orïsha. The book draws heavily from Yoruba mythology and West African traditions, blending fantasy with themes of identity, oppression, and revolution.
With an all-star cast that includes Thuso Mbedu, who plays the lead role of Zélie, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Regina King, the film has generated buzz for its cultural depth and scale. The film also features Nigerian stars Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ayra Starr.
The project has been years in the making, with several production shifts and studio changes before landing with Paramount Pictures.
Director Prince-Bythewood, known for The Woman King and The Old Guard, praised the crew and cast for their commitment and resilience during the lengthy shoot.
A passionate and dedicated crew. And an extraordinary cast who gave everything, she said on her official Instagram page. And the journey has just begun, she reiterated on the post-production that would take months before the release.
Though the release date is still months away, the wrap signals the beginning of post-production, where visual effects, sound design, and scoring will shape the final film. The film is set for a theatrical release on January 15, 2027
