Paramount Pictures has released a second trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, nearly four months after the first introduced the world of Orïsha on July 28. The 2-minute, 53-second preview, which dropped on Thursday, November 12, is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 bestselling novel and raises the stakes.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who is building on the world-building and combat style she brought to The Woman King, the trailer opens with a confrontation between King Saran (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Zélie Adebola (Thuso Mbedu). The king tells her she is a threat to be reminded of, and she answers that he cannot kill an entire people. He is unmoved. The man who ordered her mother’s execution tells her that a king can do whatever he wants.

To take down an empire, rise as one. From visionary filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, watch the New Trailer for #ChildrenOfBloodAndBone – only in theatres and IMAX January 15, 2027. #FilmedForIMAX pic.twitter.com/wYI9AdFOMu

— Children of Blood and Bone (@ChildrenofBandB) November 12, 2026

That brutality sets up what follows. Mama Agba (Viola Davis) warns Zélie that she cannot take on the world alone and must choose her moment to fight. Saran’s cruelty then plays out on screen. When Admiral Kaea (Cynthia Erivo) tells him magic has returned, he strikes down a young girl glowing with power, delivering the fatal stab himself. Kaea warns Prince Inan (Damson Idris) that Zélie could destroy them all, and the two come face to face as she summons her magic. Queen Nehanda (Regina King) leaves Kaea in no doubt about the cost of failure, ordering her to find Zélie or lose her heart. By the time Mama Agba declares that the chosen will rise, Zélie is fighting her way through her enemies.

The trailer also widens the world of Orïsha, with Inan seen riding a horned beast, one of the creatures known as ryders in the book.

Title cards also credit Lashana Lynch (Zélie’s mother, Jumoke), Idris Elba (Lekan) and Tosin Cole (Tzain). Nigerian talent is just as visible in the wider ensemble. Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) is among the featured cast, as is singer Ayra Starr, who makes her acting debut. Newcomers Tèmítópé Fágbénlé, Kola Bodunde, Shamz Garuba, and Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji complete the Nigerian presence.

The same names carry into the music. The closing credits reveal a soundtrack led by Nigerian acts: Tems, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, BNXN, Kold AF, Ayra Starr and Obongjayar. Tems is the executive music producer, with Burna Boy as executive music consultant. Her single “African Love Song”, off the soundtrack, arrives on Friday, November 20, and pre-saves are open.

Tems, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, BNXN, Kold AF, Ayra Starr, Obongjayar and more bringing the magic to the #ChildrenOfBloodAndBone soundtrack! #WeAreMagic

Pre-save “African Love Story” by soundtrack executive music producer Tems now, out November 20: https://t.co/cdW0RXVGG5 pic.twitter.com/MsB90p7jAe

— Children of Blood and Bone (@ChildrenofBandB) November 12, 2026

Behind the scenes, Children of Blood and Bone has had a rougher road. Casting choices, particularly Amandla Stenberg as the “copper complexion” Princess Amari, drew backlash over colourism. Adeyemi then announced she was no longer involved in the film’s decision-making, without giving a clear reason. She has said she won’t watch it, though she hasn’t asked fans to stay away.

She remains credited as co-writer of the screenplay alongside Prince-Bythewood. Children of Blood and Bone opens in theatres and IMAX on January 15, 2027.