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Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg and Tosin Cole Among ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Cast

Rounding out the ensemble cast are Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Viola Davis.

“The New York Times” bestselling 2018 novel “Children of Blood and Bone” has finalized its ensemble cast for its live-action fantasy epic film.

On Wednesday, January 22, “Variety” reported that among the principal cast in the film adaptation of the Tomi Adeyemi-authored book are Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris and Tosin Cole. Set to direct the movie is Gina Prince-Bythewood, who previously directed “The Woman King,” which Mbedu starred in.

In “Blood and Bone,” Mbedu will portray Zelie, the young protagonist in a fantasy African country who sets out on a mission to recover the magic that the merciless King Saran brutally seized from her people. In defiance of the king, Zelie and her older brother Tzain (Cole) band with the king's son, Prince Inan (Idris), and daughter, Princess Amari (Stenberg).

“I am so honored and excited to bring Tomi’s ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ and the vibrant world of Orisha to life,” stated Prince-Bythewood. “Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies.”

Rounding out the  cast are Viola Davis as Mama Agba; Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea; Idris Elba as Lekan; Lashana Lynch as Jumoke and Chiwetel Ejiofor as the film’s antagonist, King Saran.

Completing the “Legacy of Orisha” book trilogy following “Blood and Bone” were 2019’s “Children of Virtue and Vengeance” and 2024’s “Children of Anguish and Anarchy,” while the series has sold 3 million copies globally. Production on the film will soon begin in South Africa.

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