‘Magic Will Rise’: Paramount Drops Breath-Taking First Trailer for Epic Fantasy ‘Children of Blood and Bone’

LONDON — Paramount Pictures has unveiled the official trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, offering filmgoers an awe-inspiring first look at the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s best-selling 2018 young adult fantasy novel (trailer below).

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, The Old Guard), who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Adeyemi, the feature represents one of the largest Black-led high-fantasy productions in Hollywood history.

Scheduled to arrive in UK and global cinemas on Friday 15th January 2027, the two-minute trailer showcases a visually arresting, West African-inspired world steeped in Yoruba mythology, vibrant magic, and high-stakes rebellion.

A Quest to Restore Magic to Orïsha

Set in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, the narrative centres on Zélie Adebola, portrayed by South African actress Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King, The Underground Railroad). Years after a ruthless monarch ordered a violent purge that stripped the realm of its magic and slaughtered the gifted Maji practitioners, Zélie retains the dormant power to command undead spirits.

Guided by her wise mentor Mama Agba, played by Academy Award winner Viola Davis, Zélie sets out on a perilous crusade to ignite the spark of magic once more before the oppressive regime destroys her people permanently.

"In the epic fantasy world of Orïsha, a young woman goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people," the official studio logline reads. "She and her brother ally with the daughter and son of the king to fight back against his brutal rule."

Over sweeping shots of sprawling savanna landscapes and shimmering celestial magic, the trailer teases intense elemental combat as Zélie allies with her brother Tzain (Tosin Cole) and the rogue Princess Amari (Amandla Stenberg) to confront the tyrant King Saran (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his conflicted heir, Prince Inan (Damson Idris).

An All-Star Ensemble

Paramount has backed Prince-Bythewood's vision with an extraordinary roster of international talent:

• Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola.

• Damson Idris as Prince Inan.

• Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari.

• Tosin Cole as Tzain Adebola.

• Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran.

• Viola Davis as Mama Agba.

• Lashana Lynch as Jumoke.

• Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea.

• Regina King as Queen Nehanda.

• Idris Elba in a key undisclosed role.

Key Production Attributes for 'Children of Blood and Bone'

A Grounded, Authentic World

To achieve an authentic backdrop for Adeyemi’s mythic storytelling, Prince-Bythewood eschewed reliance on pure green-screen environments, opting instead to shoot extensive practical sequences across locations in South Africa throughout 2025.

The decision ensures that the film's spellbinding spellcraft and mythical beasts remain anchored by tangible, breathtaking physical landscapes.

With its January 2027 release date locked in, Children of Blood and Bone promises to redefine mainstream fantasy cinema, delivering a landmark saga of courage, culture, and resistance.