Ayra Starr is set to make her Hollywood debut in the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, based on Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel. The movie, set for release in 2027, also stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, and Damson Idris.
Ayra Starr is set to make her Hollywood debut in the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, a young adult fantasy novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi. The book, published in 2018, garnered significant attention and was adapted into a major motion picture after Adeyemi secured a seven-figure deal with Fox Studios.
Filming began in South Africa in February 2025, with the movie slated for release on January 15, 2027, by Paramount Pictures. The cast, announced by Adeyemi on Instagram, includes a blend of Nigerian and international stars, such as Ayra Starr, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shamz Garuba, and Temi Fagbenle, alongside Hollywood names like Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, and Damson Idris.
The story follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman on a mission to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha after it was suppressed by the ruling class. The novel’s compelling mix of fantasy and West African culture made it a New York Times bestseller, solidifying Adeyemi's place as a leading voice in modern literature.
In 2024, director Gina Prince-Bythewood conducted a casting call in Nigeria for actors between the ages of 10 and 25, reflecting the film's deep connection to Nigerian heritage. Adeyemi, who studied at Harvard University, drew inspiration from West African mythology for the novel, which has now evolved into one of the most anticipated fantasy films of the decade.
