Nigerian entertainment is making another global mark as singer Ayra Starr and veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) have been confirmed as part of the cast for Paramount Pictures’ upcoming fantasy epic, Children of Blood and Bone. The film, based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel of the same name, is set to hit IMAX screens on January 15, 2027.
Starr and Mofe-Damijo are joined by several other Nigerian actors, including Pamilerin Ayodeji (Mikolo), Shamz Garuba (Crime and Justice Lagos), Kola Bodunde (Shadow), and Temi Fagbenle. Notably, Ayodeji and Garuba secured their roles through an open casting call in Nigeria, highlighting the film’s commitment to showcasing authentic African talent.
The latest casting announcement also features Saniyya Sidney (Fences) and Zackary Momoh (Harriet), who will star alongside an already impressive lineup of Hollywood heavyweights. Previously confirmed cast members include Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray.
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A Story Rooted in African Mythology
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tomi Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bonetransports audiences to an African-inspired fantasy world where magic has been stripped away. The story follows a young woman’s quest to restore this lost magic and overthrow an oppressive monarchy. The film promises a gripping tale of resistance, legacy, and power, blending elements of traditional African mythology with high-stakes adventure.
Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, which includes Children of Blood and Bone, has captivated millions worldwide, selling nearly three million copies to date. The series has spent a combined 175 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, with its first book earning the No.1 spot for four weeks on the Young Adult Hardcover list. The second installment, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, also dominated the charts, and the final book, Children of Anguish and Anarchy, topped the Children’s & Young Adult Series list.
Beyond commercial success, the book has received widespread acclaim, securing a spot among the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time and earning distinctions such as a New York Times Notable Children’s Book and a Kirkus Prize Finalist.
The film is backed by a formidable production team, including Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, the duo behind The Twilight Saga, alongside Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures. Adeyemi herself will serve as an executive producer, joined by Reggie Rock Bythewood, Jeff Waxman, and Jennifer Madeloff.
