Following Paramount’s recent first-look images, the first full trailer for Children of Blood and Bone has now arrived, bringing Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel to the big screen under the direction of The Woman King filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, and we are already excited to see more.
The new footage offers a proper introduction to the magical kingdom of Orïsha and its white-haired heroine, Zélie Adebola, played by Thuso Mbedu. After magic is violently stolen from her people, Zélie begins a dangerous mission to reclaim it and challenge the brutal rule of King Saran, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
With Beyoncé’s ‘ENERGY’ playing across the trailer, Zélie prepares for battle as soldiers tighten their control over Orïsha. The footage reveals lavish costumes, sweeping landscapes and kinetic fight choreography, while offering a closer look at the people who will stand with and against her.
Amandla Stenberg stars as Princess Amari, the king’s daughter and an unlikely ally in Zélie’s fight. Damson Idris and Tosin Cole also appear among the central cast, alongside Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King and Lashana Lynch.
Based on Adeyemi’s 2018 novel, the story follows Zélie and her brother as they join forces with the king’s children to restore magic and challenge his rule. The book became a New York Times bestseller and launched the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, inspired by West African mythology and culture.
The trailer places the film firmly within the coming-of-age fantasy tradition, but the story’s focus on oppression, class and cultural identity gives Zélie’s journey its own voice. Prince-Bythewood’s previous work on The Woman King can be felt in the large-scale action and physical fight sequences, while Orïsha already has a striking visual identity of its own.
Prince-Bythewood co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi. The author recently said on social media that she had distanced herself from the adaptation, although she has not explained the reasons behind her decision.
For CultureCues, this is the kind of fantasy trailer that immediately pulls us into its world. Thuso Mbedu looks incredible as Zélie, the cast is stacked and the combination of stunning costumes, huge battles and Beyoncé on the soundtrack makes an unforgettable first impression. Orïsha already feels rich with history and magic, and we are more than ready to follow Zélie into the fight.
Children of Blood and Bone arrives in cinemas on 15 January 2027.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.