The next project for Amandla Stenberg, star of The Acolyte, has been announced. The 26-year-old actress will be starring in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s movie adaptation of Children Of Blood And Bone, the popular West African-inspired young adult romantic fantasy novel written by Tomi Adeyemi, at Paramount.
Stenberg confirmed she is playing Amari Olubori in the film who is the crown princess of the fictional country of Orïsha. Here is Wiki’s description of the character:
A strong-willed and compassionate young woman. Despite being raised in the lap of luxury, she harbors a deep sense of empathy for the oppressed. When she crosses paths with Zélie and Tzain, she is drawn to their cause and offers her support. Amari’s knowledge of the royal court and her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of politics prove invaluable to the resistance.
Amandla Stenberg posted on her Instagram story following the announcement of the cast and release date:
Also stars Thuso Mbedu
Children of Blood and Bone also stars Thuso Mbedu who will play Zélie Adebola. Mbedu posted on Instagram:
“Children of Blood and Bone” was gifted to me in 2019 and, truly, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve received. Upon reading it I fell in love with it – to the point that I made it a prayer point 😅🤣😂🤣😭 Before heading to Philly earlier last year I felt the most random need to go through old journals and there it was: a prayer point, a bold ask to God to be the lead of this amazing story 🙈 to sit here and draft this announcement is mind-boggling. To know that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people as we tell this great story is truly humbling. I’m so excited. I’m so grateful.
Thank you @tomiadeyemi for your gift to the world🫶🏾 Thank you to everyone who continues to support and show up for us. We will make you proud.
@gpbmadeit
Stenberg commented on her post: “YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL AS ZELIE.”
Zélie Adebola is described as:
A fierce and determined young woman from the floating village of Ilorin. As the daughter of a powerful sorceress, she inherited an aptitude for magic, but her innate connection to forbidden diviner spirits sets her apart and draws the attention of the tyrannical King Saran. Despite the risks, Zélie refuses to turn a blind eye to the injustices her people face and embarks on a perilous journey to overthrow the oppressive regime.
Gina Prince-Bythewood directs
Gina Prince-Bythewood, who is known for The Woman King, said on Instagram:
Thank you @Time. Honored to be amongst this truly dope list of influential and disruptive folk (minus Elon). #time100
“Gina Prince-Bythewood has a true belief in the power of stories. It’s her life’s purpose; she’s always going to search for the truth. Throughout her career, she’s also demonstrated a commitment to uplifting stories that aren’t always centered onscreen, including stories about Black women and women of color. I will always cherish the memory of premiering Love and Basketball at Sundance back in 2000, and witnessing the five-minute standing ovation that followed. It was a surreal experience to witness a young woman of color create that film for the world and to be by her side as she did it. And now, with 2022’s critically acclaimed hit The Woman King, she’s captured our world’s attention once again. Gina is a true writer and craftsman, with an amazing imagination! She also has a lot of integrity, this quiet strength. She will not sway when she believes something is right. She’s not only one of my favorite directors, but also my friend—and I’m her fan and cheerleader for life.”
Thank you @justsanaa for the beautiful words.
The rest of the cast:
The cast also includes:
- Viola Davis as Mama Agba as Admiral Kaea
- Idris Elba as Lekan
- Lashana Lynch as Jumoke
- Chiwetel Ejiofo as King Saran
- Damson Idris as Inan
- Tosin Cole as Tzain
Said to be in talks also includes Regina King as Queen Nehanda, Diaana Babnicova as Folake, and Bukky Bakray (Rocks) as Binta.
Release info
Children of Blood and Bone gets released January 15, 2027 including in IMAX theaters with production to take place in South African soon.
Plot
The story is set in an African fantasy kingdom in which a young woman goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people. She and her brother ally with the daughter and son of the king to fight back against his brutal rule.
Amazon also describes the book as:
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
