“There it was: a prayer point, a bold ask to God to be the lead of this amazing story. To sit here and draft this announcement is mind-boggling,” she said.
Set in the mythical African fantasy kingdom of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie, a young woman portrayed by Mbedu, who is a member of the maji — individuals with special powers who were oppressed and persecuted by the ruling king.
When Zélie uncovers a way to restore magic and empower her people, she embarks on a daring quest to fight back against the tyrannical regime with the help of her brother and allies, including the daughter and son of the ruthless king.
The highly anticipated film includes a star-studded cast which includes several prominent names, such as Amandla Stenberg, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo and Damson Idris, all of whom are expected to deliver unforgettable performances.
The actress said she was grateful for the chance to work on a project that brings together such a talented team.
“To know that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people as we tell this great story is truly humbling. I’m so excited. I’m so grateful,” she said.
Published in 2018, Children of Blood and Bone and its sequels, Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy (collectively known as the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy), have been a huge success, spending a combined 175 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.
With nearly 3-million copies sold worldwide, the books have received critical acclaim, including recognition as among the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, a New York Times Notable Children’s Book, and a Kirkus Prize finalist.
As Mbedu steps into the role of Zélie, she expresses immense gratitude for the impact of the story and its creator, saying, “Thank you Tomi Adeyemi for your gift to the world. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and show up for us.”
The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, is slated for release on January 15 2027 and promises to be as magical and compelling as the book it is based on.
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Thuso Mbedu on manifesting lead role in 'Children of Blood and Bone'
Image: Thuso Mbedu/Instagram
South African actress Thuso Mbedu is set to captivate audiences in the upcoming movie Children of Blood and Bone, an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s best-selling novel.
Mbedu took to social media to share how she manifested this role, calling it one of the greatest gifts she’s received.
Children of Blood and Bone was gifted to me in 2019 and, truly, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve received,” she said.
Mbedu said her connection to the story was so powerful that she set the intention in her prayers, hoping for the opportunity to bring this compelling narrative to life.
“Upon reading it I fell in love with it — to the point that I made it a prayer point,” said Mbedu.
Mbedu’s connection to the story deepened when, before travelling to Philadelphia in the US this year, she felt an unexpected urge to revisit old journals.
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“There it was: a prayer point, a bold ask to God to be the lead of this amazing story. To sit here and draft this announcement is mind-boggling,” she said.
Set in the mythical African fantasy kingdom of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie, a young woman portrayed by Mbedu, who is a member of the maji — individuals with special powers who were oppressed and persecuted by the ruling king.
When Zélie uncovers a way to restore magic and empower her people, she embarks on a daring quest to fight back against the tyrannical regime with the help of her brother and allies, including the daughter and son of the ruthless king.
The highly anticipated film includes a star-studded cast which includes several prominent names, such as Amandla Stenberg, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo and Damson Idris, all of whom are expected to deliver unforgettable performances.
The actress said she was grateful for the chance to work on a project that brings together such a talented team.
“To know that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people as we tell this great story is truly humbling. I’m so excited. I’m so grateful,” she said.
Published in 2018, Children of Blood and Bone and its sequels, Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Children of Anguish and Anarchy (collectively known as the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy), have been a huge success, spending a combined 175 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.
With nearly 3-million copies sold worldwide, the books have received critical acclaim, including recognition as among the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, a New York Times Notable Children’s Book, and a Kirkus Prize finalist.
As Mbedu steps into the role of Zélie, she expresses immense gratitude for the impact of the story and its creator, saying, “Thank you Tomi Adeyemi for your gift to the world. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and show up for us.”
The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, is slated for release on January 15 2027 and promises to be as magical and compelling as the book it is based on.
TshisaLIVE
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