Grammy Award-winning singer Tems has joined the production team behind Children of Blood and Bone. The upcoming Hollywood fantasy film also named Burna Boy as an executive consultant.
The filmmakers announced both appointments on the film’s official social media pages. The update adds two Nigerian music stars to the adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel.
From Bestselling Novel to Hollywood Film
Tomi Adeyemi published Children of Blood and Bone in 2018. The novel became an international bestseller and debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times Young Adult bestseller list. It later grew into the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy with Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy. 
The story takes place in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha. It follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman determined to restore magic after a king orders the killing of the Maji, people born with magical abilities.
Zélie begins her journey with her brother, Tzain, and Princess Amari. Together, they fight to bring magic back while Crown Prince Inan pursues them across the kingdom.
Cast Brings the Story to Life
Gina Prince-Bythewood directs the adaptation. She also co-wrote the screenplay with Tomi Adeyemi.
South African actress Thuso Mbedu leads the cast as Zélie. Damson Idris plays Prince Inan, while Tosin Cole stars as Tzain.
The film also features Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Lashana Lynch and Amandla Stenberg. Nigerian singer Ayra Starr also appears in the film, making her feature film acting debut.
SEE ALSO: Has Hollywood Erased the Yoruba Soul of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’?
Tems and Burna Boy Join the Production Team
The production did not disclose the full responsibilities attached to either appointment.
Tems will serve as an executive producer. Burna Boy will work as an executive consultant.
The announcement places both artists among the team overseeing the film’s production. Paramount Pictures will distribute the adaptation, while Temple Hill Entertainment and Sunswept Entertainment are producing it.
Burna Boy previously served as an executive producer on the Pan-African film 3 Cold Dishes, which premiered in 2024.
The filmmakers have scheduled Children of Blood and Bone for release on 15 January 2027.
The adaptation brings Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel to the big screen for the first time. It also reunites an international cast with a production team that now includes Tems and Burna Boy in executive roles.
READ ALSO: Tomi Adeyemi Distances Herself From ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Film Adaptation
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