The first footage of the adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's "Children of Blood and Bone" has appeared online

A short clip has surfaced on the film’s social feeds — the team behind Children of Blood and Bone, adapted from Tomi Adeyemi’s novel, released the first piece of footage showing several of the principal players. Among those glimpsed: Idris Elba (Captive Flight), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Behind the Reality), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: The Tale of the Witch of the West), Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder), Damon Idris (F1), Tuzo Mbedu (The Assignment), and others.

Orishe — a fictional land split into tribes, each with its own kind of magic — is where things unfold. The ruler outlaws sorcery and orders a purge; yrs. later the plot pivots when Zeli (Mbedu) stumbles on a long-dormant power and sets her sights on toppling him. It’s compact in description but feels larger when you watch those few frames; maybe that’s just me reading more into a teaser.

The film is in the hands of Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Women of the Movement), who also adapted Adeyemi’s book for the screen. The international premiere is slated for January 17, 2027 — mark the date if you’re keeping track.