Hollywood’s adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone is bringing the world of Orïsha to life, and the casting reflects exactly where the story originates. With a release date set for 15 January 2027, the epic fantasy film is rooted in West African mythology, and the production has made a clear, deliberate choice to include Nigerian and British-Nigerian talent at every level, from industry veterans to faces discovered through open casting calls held in Lagos.
Here are all Nigerian and British-Nigerian cast members confirmed.
1. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
One of Nollywood’s most enduring figures, RMD brings decades of screen experience to the production. A former Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism turned full-time actor, he has remained one of the most recognisable and respected faces in Nigerian film across generations. His casting is a nod to the gravitas the film clearly aims for. 
2. Ayra Starr
The Mavin Records singer behind global hits including Rush and Bloody Samaritan makes her acting debut in Children of Blood and Bone. Ayra has spoken publicly about the experience of inhabiting a completely different character for months, describing it as one of the most creatively stretching things she has done. She approached the role with the same seriousness she brings to music.
3. Kola Bodunde
A respected Nigerian actor whose addition to the ensemble brings further homegrown depth to the cast. Bodunde is a familiar presence in Nigerian film and television circles, adding to the production’s deliberate representation of Nollywood talent alongside its international names.
4. Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran
British-Nigerian of Igbo descent, Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of the most decorated actors of his generation. He received an Oscar nomination for his lead performance in 12 Years a Slave and has since appeared in major franchise productions including Doctor Strange and The Lion King. His casting as King Saran, one of the film’s central authority figures, is among the most significant announcements attached to the project.
5. Damson Idris as Prince Inan
Born in Peckham, London, to Nigerian parents, Damson Idris broke through internationally as the lead of Snowfall, the FX drug drama he carried for six seasons. His casting as Prince Inan places him at the heart of the film’s central conflict. He is one of the most compelling young actors working in English-language television and film right now, and Children of Blood and Bone represents his most high-profile film role to date.
SEE ALSO: Tomi Adeyemi Distances Herself From ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Film Adaptation
6. Tosin Cole as Tzain
British-Nigerian actor born in New York and raised in London, Tosin Cole is best known to international audiences as Ryan Sinclair in Doctor Who. His casting as Tzain adds another familiar face to a production that is building real ensemble strength across its Nigerian and British-Nigerian members.
7. Zackary Momoh
British-Nigerian actor joining the ensemble cast. Momoh has built a steady screen career across both film and television, and his inclusion adds further depth to the production’s commitment to casting actors of Nigerian heritage across the full range of roles.
8. Temi Fagbenle
Temi is a British-Nigerian actress and former professional basketball player, and has been building a film career that draws on both her athletic discipline and her screen presence. Her background as a professional sportswoman brings a physicality to her performances that suits the demands of an epic fantasy production.
SEE ALSO: Tems Joins Children of Blood and Bone as Executive Producer, Burna Boy Named Executive Consultant
9. Pamilerin Ayodeji
Pamilerin was discovered through open casting calls held in Nigeria. She represents the film’s genuine investment in finding new talent from the continent where the story is rooted. She is a fast-rising name, and her path into the production reflects the kind of grassroots discovery process that the team prioritised alongside its established stars.
10. Shamz Garuba
Also discovered in Nigeria through the production’s open casting process. His inclusion, alongside Pamilerin Ayodeji, reflects the film’s stated commitment to authentic representation.
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