We will soon be getting another magical world coming to life in the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone. The original story, written by Tomi Adeyemi and published in 2018, became an instant hit and spent 175 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Idris Elba (Luther), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Doctor Strange), and more were already announced to be the film's members. Now, Paramount has rounded out the cast as they add Saniyya Sidney (King Richard), Ayra Starr (Christmas in Lagos), Kola Bodunde (Dead Fun), and more to the crew.
The novel draws inspiration from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and Sabaa Tahir's An Amber in the Ashes while sprinkling some mythological salt. The story is part of a trilogy called Legacy of Orisha, where a young woman tries to restore the lost magic in a kingdom.
While we know who the characters are in the book, not all the actors have confirmed roles. So, we will take a look at the main actors in confirmed and rumored roles for the film expected to arrive in 2027.
The confirmed cast of Children Of Blood and Bone
Thuso Mbedu as Zelie Adebola
Zelie is the main protagonist in the story, who Thuso Mbedu is portraying. The actress posted a photo of herself with white hair on Instagram, which is accurate given that Zelie is a diviner, who are people in the novel with the same features.
Tosin Cole as Tzain Adebola
Tzain is Zelie's brother in the story and is a big support to her in the fight to restore the magic in the kingdom of Orisha. Supacell's Tosin Cole is in to fill the warrior shoes here.
Chiwetel Ejifor as King Saran
We all know how Chiwetel Ejifor's Baron Mordo from Doctor Strange (2016) left on a mission to take away those mystical energies from people. Well, his King Saran is sort of doing the same in Children of Blood and Bone.
Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea
After spreading her magic in the Land of Oz as Elphaba Thropp, Cynthia Erivo will play Admiral Kaea in Children of Blood and Bone. The character holds power and will be pivotal to the film's story while aiding Zelie against King Saran.
Idris Elba as Lekan
Idris Elba was really good at portraying Heimdall in MCU's Thor, where he nailed it as the Protector of the Realms. That all-seeing and all-hearing Asgardian is playing the last remaining priest of a temple who goes by the name Lekan.
Lashana Lynch as Jumoke Adebola
Another Marvel star, Lashana Lynch, is in the Children of Blood and Bone crew. She plays Maria Rambeau, the mother of Monica Rambeau. She will again go on children's duty as she is portraying Zelie and Tzain's mother.
Viola Davis as Mama Agba
The American actress who wears the Triple Crown of Acting will wear the crown of the oldest living maji, Mama Agba, in Children of Blood and Bone. Majis are basically diviners in the story, and to avoid going deeper into the concept, just know that they are the sorcerers of this universe.
Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari
Not all from royal blood are cruel, like King Saran, and Princess Amari, whom Amandla Stenberg is playing, is one of them. She has one of the interesting character arcs, as we see her becoming one strong woman who is initially a timid and underconfident girl.
Damson Idris as Inan
Like Zelie, Princess Amari has a brother, Prince Inan. He isn't really cruel like his father but loyal to the throne. But then, things are turned upside down for him when he falls in love with Zelie.
The rest of the Children of Blood and Bone cast
While the above-mentioned stars have confirmed roles in Children of Blood and Bone, it isn't confirmed who the others will be playing in the film. Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray are rumored to be playing characters, namely Queen Nehanda, Folake, and Binta.
The rest of the cast members in unconfirmed roles are mentioned below.
- Saniyya Sidney
- Zackary Momoh
- Kola Bodunde
- Shamz Garuba
- Richard Mofe-Damijo
- Ayra Starr
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation