Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Ayra Starr, Zackary Momoh Join Star-Studded Cast of Children of Blood and Bone
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 28
RMD, Ayra Starr, Zackary Momoh Trio Join Cast of Children and Bone.
EDITOR’S PICK- Paramount Pictures has officially announced that legendary Nigerian actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Afrobeats (Nigerian) sensation Ayra Starr, and British-Nigerian actor Zackary Momoh have joined the star-studded cast of Children of Blood and Bone, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel.
Other Newly-Announced Cast- Children of Blood and Bone
This announcement rounds out its star-studded cast with the trio and Saniyya Sidney (King Richard), Pamilerin Ayodeji, (Mikolo) Shamz Garuba, (Red Circle) Kola Bodunde, (Malcom) and WNBA’s Temi Fagbenle (WNBA). Notably, two of the new cast members, Ayodeji and Garuba, were selected through an open casting call in Nigeria, further emphasizing the film’s commitment to authentic representation and fresh talent.
The final cast lineup join an already impressive lineup led by Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola, alongside Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray. Earlier this year, the first lineup of cast was announced in a star-studded reveal, featuring Viola Davis and other A-list actors set to bring Tomi Adeyemi’s world to life (A Dream Come True: Including Viola Davis and A-List Cast Announced for Children of Blood and Bone Adaptation, [January 22]). Black fantasy fans rejoiced as the groundbreaking project promised to redefine Black representation in the fantasy genre, assembling an ensemble of top-tier talent to helm this cinematic epic.
STAR-STUDDED CAST OF CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE FROM JANUARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also co-wrote the script with Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone brings to life a West African-inspired fantasy world, following Zélie’s quest to restore magic to her people, who have been brutally oppressed by a ruthless monarchy.
The film, produced by Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, along with Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures, is slated for a January 15, 2027 release in IMAX.
The Cast We’ve Been Waiting For
With the addition of RMD, Ayra Starr, and Zackary Momoh, Children of Blood and Bone is set to deliver an authentic, culturally rich cinematic experience that fans of the novel and fantasy lovers worldwide can eagerly anticipate.
Why This Matters
Children of Blood and Bone is more than a fantasy tale; it’s a cultural moment. Adeyemi’s novel has drawn comparisons to Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, but it stands out for its unapologetic embrace of African heritage. For too long, stories rooted in African mythology have been overlooked by mainstream media, and this adaptation signals a long-overdue shift.
The Legacy of Orïsha trilogy by Tomi Adeyemi cemented its status as a modern classic, spending a combined 175 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Children of Blood and Bone topped the Young Adult Hardcover list for four weeks, while Children of Virtue and Vengeance held the No. 1 spot for five weeks. The final installment, Children of Anguish and Anarchy, also reached No. 1 on the Children’s & Young Adult Series list for one week, solidifying the series’ impact on the literary world.
With such a stellar cast and creative team, the film promises to be a celebration of Black excellence and a beacon for future generations of storytellers.
When Can We Watch?
The film is currently in pre-production, with filming set to begin later this year. While there’s no official release date yet, fans can rest assured that the wait will be worth it.
Are you as excited as we are to see Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong’o, Dominique Thorne, and John Boyega bring the magic of Orïsha to life? Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to Black Film Wire for updates on this monumental project.
Children of Blood and Bone isn’t just a film; it’s a movement. Get ready to witness history.
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