Ayra Starr Joins the Cast of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Movie Adaptation
Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr has been officially cast in the upcoming movie adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, the bestselling fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi. The film, which has been in development for years, is now taking shape with an impressive lineup of both Hollywood and Nollywood stars.
The Rush hitmaker joins an ensemble cast that includes Saniyya Sidney (Fences), Zackary Momoh (Harriet), Richard Mofe-Damijo (Namaste Wahala), Pamilerin Ayodeji (Mikolo), Shamz Garuba (Crime and Justice Lagos), Kola Bodunde (Shadow), and Temi Fagbenle. Ayodeji and Garuba were selected through an open casting call in Nigeria, providing fresh talents with a platform on the global stage.
The initial announcement of the main cast in February featured some of the biggest names in the industry, including 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. With such a powerhouse lineup, the adaptation is expected to bring Adeyemi’s richly imagined world to life grandly and compellingly.
Paramount Pictures is backing the project, and acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her work on The Woman King and The Old Guard, is set to direct. The film will take audiences into a magical world inspired by West African mythology, where a young heroine fights to restore magic and resist oppression.
Since its release in 2018, Children of Blood and Bone has been celebrated for its unique storytelling, cultural depth, and strong themes of resistance and empowerment. The movie adaptation is highly anticipated, and with a release date set for 2027, fans have plenty of time to speculate on how the beloved novel will be translated to the big screen.
For Ayra Starr, this marks a major milestone in her career, expanding her reach from the music industry into Hollywood. Her involvement further highlights the growing influence of Nigerian artists in global entertainment.