Director Gina Prince-Bythewood and star Thuso Mbedu previewed their upcoming film "Children of Blood and Bone" at the opening night of the 24th Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, sharing unseen clips and discussing the making of the adaptation. Prince-Bythewood praised author Tomi Adeyemi, with whom she shares a screenplay credit, describing the casting process as central to bringing the West African-inspired fantasy world to life ahead of the film's 2027 release.

Based on Adeyemi's acclaimed 2018 novel, the Paramount film was shot in South Africa, standing in for the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, and follows Zélie Adebola, played by Mbedu, as she seeks to reclaim magic stolen from her people. The ensemble cast includes Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole and Regina King, alongside Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo and Viola Davis. Mbedu said she trained for nearly a year and repeatedly reread the novel to prepare, and the film is scheduled to open in cinemas on 15 January 2027.