Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo to face magic war in Children Of Blood And Bone
By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter
Hollywood actresses Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo and Regina King are among the stars entangled in a magical war in a first look at Children Of Blood And Bone.
The upcoming film is an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel of the same name, and centres around the battle to restore magic to the kingdom of Orisha after a brutal royal genocide.
The star-studded cast face deadly battles, magic and otherworldly creatures in the explosive first trailer for the film, which was released by Paramount Pictures UK on Tuesday.
It opens with a first look at Thuso Mbedu as young diviner and mage Zelie Adebola, and a voice says: “My daughter, you must not be afraid.”
“Orisha was once a land where magic flowed through our people. You were born with a gift greater than you know,” the voice continues, explaining how the fictional fantasy kingdom has been taken over by non-magic users.
Zelie emotionally watches as her mother is taken away by mysterious masked tribe members, and the voice adds: “But those who fear our power took it away from us.”
The trailer provides glimpses at the ruthless monarchy oppressing the magical people of Orisha, before Oscar-winning actress Davis is shown as powerful mage Mama Agba.
Her character is the sole survivor of the raid that killed her people, and secretly trains young girls including Zelie in magic.
Mama Agba tells Zelie: “I know you miss her. Your powers may be gone, but that does not change who you are.”
The trailer then shows the royal palace, ruled by the powerful King Saran (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his wife Queen Nehanda (King), and introduces their loyal and conflicted son Prince Inan, played by Damson Idris.
“Magic is a festering disease,” a voice says as a magical character is slain, while Prince Inan tensely watches on.
US actress and director King reprimands her son as as the ruthless queen, and says: “Heed my words, you are the future king.”
Prince Inan is later seen questioning his responsibility in the kingdom and whether he wants to continue his parents’ oppressive regime, asking: “What if that is not the kind of king I want to be?”
A montage of Zelie practicing defensive arts and harnessing her powers is shown, as Mama Agba says: “For years I have trained you because I believe you are the one who can bring magic back.”
The trailer is set to a new original song by Grammy-winning artists Tems and Burna Boy, and text on screen reads: “An epic new world comes to life.”
It also shows glimpses of characters including Wicked star Erivo as Commander Kaea and award-winning actor Idris Elba as Lekan.
The Hate U Give actress Amandla Stenberg, who plays Amari, is seen speaking to Zelie, saying: “They are looking to you to lead them.”
The trailer builds to a climax with scenes of fights, destruction, fire and glimpses of animals such as rhinos and lions and a glimpse of a budding romance between Prince Inan and Zelie.
It ends with Zelie expressing how “all these years, we believe the Gods abandoned us”, and summoning an otherworldly creature with her magic.
“Oh my child, they were waiting for you,” a voice responds.
Children Of Blood And Bone is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film, and is known for projects such as The Secret Life Of Bees and The Woman King.
Other cast members include The Day Of The Jackal star Lashana Lynch, Seven Seconds actor Zackary Momoh and The Sheep Detectives’ Tosin Cole – as well as Richard Mofe-Damijo.
Children Of Blood And Bone will be released in 2027.
