Ayodeji, who starred in Akinola Davies Jr.’s Sundance-winning short, Lizard (2020), and Jade Osiberu’s Prime Video Original, Gangs of Lagos (2023), as well as Garuba, who made his acting debut in Showmax’s Crime and Justice Lagos, were selected after an open casting call in Nigeria.
By Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku
The long-anticipated Nigerian cast for Paramount Pictures’ Children of Blood and Bone, the film adaptation of the bestselling young adult fantasy novel of the same name by Tomi Adeyemi, has been announced. The latest additions include Nollywood veteran, Richard Mofe-Damijo, rising teen actress, Pamilerin Ayodeji, newcomer, Shamz Garuba, and Afrobeats sensation, Ayra Starr.
The announcement follows previous assurances from Adeyemi, an American author of Nigerian heritage, that Nigerian cast members would be revealed in due time.
Ayodeji, who starred in Akinola Davies Jr.’s Sundance-winning short, Lizard (2020), and Jade Osiberu’s Prime Video Original, Gangs of Lagos (2023), as well as Garuba, who made his acting debut in Showmax’s Crime and Justice Lagos, were selected after an open casting call in Nigeria.
Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as “RMD” is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, with recent appearances in Editi Effiong’s Netflix hit, The Black Book (2023) and Osiberu’s Christmas in Lagos (2024), both of which received great commercial success. Ayra Starr also featured in Christmas in Lagos where she played herself.
This update follows an earlier announcement of the film’s primary cast, which includes established stars such as Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Diaana Babnicova, and Bukky Bakray.
However, the initial casting news had sparked criticism from Nigerian audiences, who questioned the absence of Nigeria-based actors despite the local casting calls. Many fans were of the opinion that a film based on Nigerian influences should feature more Nigerian talent. Adeyemi responded to these concerns, assuring audiences that more Nigerian castings and results from the open call would be announced in due course.
Other actors joining the production include young American actress Saniyya Sidney (Fences (2016), King Richard (2021)); UK-based Nigerian actor Kola Bodunde (Lost Brother (2020), Tribal Mark (2024)); American born Nigerian-British basketballer. Temi Fagbenle; and Nigerian-British actor, Zackary Momoh (Harriet (2019); Doctor Sleep (2019)). Momoh was previously set to star in the lead alongside Lupita Nyong’o in the now-canceled HBO adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah.
Children of Blood and Bone is the first installment in Adeyemi’s acclaimed fantasy series. Set in the mythical kingdom of Orïsha. The story follows a young woman on a quest to restore magic to her people while challenging an oppressive monarchy, with the help of her brother and a rogue princess.
The book, which became an instant bestseller upon its release, draws heavy inspiration from Yoruba mythology and culture, blending elements of West African spirituality with themes of racial injustice. Adeyemi has frequently cited both Nigerian culture and the Black Lives Matter movement as key influences in her writing.
The film adaptation will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for The Woman King (2022) and The Old Guard (2020), from a screenplay which she co-wrote with Adeyemi .
Children of Blood and Bone is slated for a theatrical release in January 2027.