MOVIE NEWS – Industry insiders are hoping a brand-new fantasy film franchise based on a bestselling book series – Children of Blood and Bone – could be headed for massive success, potentially becoming a worthy challenger to Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. Tomi Adeyemi’s novels draw on the mythology of West African peoples, following Zelie, a young sorceress fueled by revenge, who seeks allies against an evil king as her magical power continues to grow.

As early as 2017 – before the first book was even published – major Hollywood studios were already competing for the rights. After an intense bidding war, Paramount emerged as the winner. The first film will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, no stranger to sword-wielding heroines (The Woman King, The Old Guard). The cast is just as impressive: Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King), Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), and Oscar winner Viola Davis (Fences) are all part of the lineup.

In line with the usual trend, Adeyemi is also one of the screenwriters for the film – and very likely for the franchise as a whole.

(Children of Blood and Bone – Hungarian release date: January 21, 2027.)

UIP Dunafilm