The highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone has expanded its cast, introducing more Nigerian actors to its lineup.

Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr have officially joined the ensemble, alongside emerging Nigerian talents Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba, who were selected through a public casting call.

 

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The film, under the direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood, had previously unveiled a lineup featuring Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari, Damson Idris as Prince Inan, and Tosin Cole as Tzain. While these actors are talented, their selection raised eyebrows among discerning audiences who questioned the cultural authenticity of the casting choices.

Set in an African fantasy realm, Children of Blood and Bone follows a young woman’s quest to restore stolen magic, forming alliances against a tyrannical king. The source material, Tomi Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, has achieved immense literary success, maintaining a presence on the New York Times Best Seller list.

Filming is set to begin in South Africa, with the movie scheduled for release in January 2027, and with this revised casting, anticipation continues to build over how well it will bring Adeyemi’s world to life on screen.