Children of Blood and Bone Trailer Drops: Lena Waithe, Regina King & More at Star-Studded Reveal

July 31, 2026

Although the production has experienced several delays over the years, amid a venomous online hate campaign directed at one of its leading actors and the author of the source book series criticizing the adaptation, Paramount Pictures’ forthcoming fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone has nonetheless generated considerable anticipation for its release next year.

The excitement reached a fever pitch in New York City on July 27 during the official trailer launch, which featured a cast Q&A moderated by Lena Waithe and an afterparty that spotlighted the film’s cultural dimensions.

Inside the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music, attendees were treated to a deep-dive discussion with director and co-screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood, alongside cast members Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh and Regina King. Each spoke from their own perspectives about how making the film altered their outlook on life, what fans can learn from the storytelling, and how Africa itself emerged as the film’s true star. King couldn’t quite keep it together while describing a key mother/daughter moment between Thuso and Lashana without giving away too much, while Momoh credited the director for choosing him to portray a father, a role he also embraced offscreen for the first time. Lashana echoed her husband’s sentiments on and off screen, praising Prince-Bythewood for creating space where art can imitate life.

Afterwards, guests enjoyed a modest buffet of traditional Nigerian dishes, ample drinks, and a DJ set that offered a sonic preview of the film’s soundtrack, which earlier in the evening was announced as being executive produced by Tems with additional music consultation from Burna Boy.

A group of people, including Lena Waithe, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Regina King, Lashana Lynch, and Zackary Momoh, speaking on stage in front of a large movie poster for "Children of Blood and Bone".

Set in the magical realm of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows the journey of Thuso Mbedu’s character as she defies the odds to reclaim a source of magic stolen from her people years earlier. Alongside her brother, played by Tosin Cole, she joins forces with the prince (Damson Idris) and princess (Amandla Stenberg) of a tyrant king (Chiwetel Ejiofor) in a plan to restore order once more. Completing the ensemble are prominent talents such as Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis.

Watch the official trailer for Children of Blood and Bone below, and keep scrolling for an inside look at the launch event from the Brooklyn Academy of Music:

Danielle Brooks

I am a staff writer at New York Beacon, where I focus on culture, entrepreneurship, and the emerging voices redefining Black America. My work highlights innovators, artists, and founders whose stories often unfold beyond mainstream headlines but shape communities in meaningful ways. Through precise reporting and thoughtful storytelling, I aim to document progress, challenge narratives, and contribute to a stronger Black press tradition.