For years, Nigerians have joked that we’re everywhere. Music? We’re there. Fashion? We’re definitely there.
Now add one of Hollywood’s biggest fantasy films to the list.
Children of Blood and Bone has not even hit cinemas yet, but Nigerians already have enough reasons to claim it. The story draws on Yoruba mythology and is written by Tomi Adeyemi. The cast includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Hidden among them is a growing list of Nigerians, from Nollywood veterans to Afrobeats stars making their acting debut.
Here’s everyone representing Nigeria in one of the most anticipated films of 2027:
- Ayra Starr is making her Hollywood debut
After taking Afrobeats to the world with hits, Ayra Starr is stepping into a completely different spotlight.
The singer is making her Hollywood acting debut in Children of Blood and Bone. While details about her character are still under wraps, her appearance in the first teaser was enough to send fans into detective mode.
For someone who’s already toured the world, earned Grammy nominations and collaborated with international stars, acting in a major Hollywood fantasy blockbuster feels like the next big chapter in her career.
- Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) brings Nollywood royalty to the film
If you’ve watched Nigerian movies at any point in the last three decades, chances are you’ve watched Richard Mofe-Damijo.
RMD has been one of Nollywood’s biggest names for years, so seeing him in Children of Blood and Bone feels fitting. His inclusion is another reminder that Nollywood veterans are increasingly finding opportunities on the global stage.
His role hasn’t been revealed yet, but fans are eager to see what he brings to the world of Orïsha.
- Pamilerin Ayodeji is another Nigerian to look out for
Another familiar face in the cast is actor Pamilerin Ayodeji.
Although not much has been revealed about his character, his casting adds to the growing Nigerian presence in the film.
For younger Nollywood talents, Children of Blood and Bone could become the kind of project that introduces them to a global audience.
How It All Started
Long before the cameras started rolling, there was the book.
Published in 2018, Children of Blood and Bone became an international bestseller and one of the most talked about fantasy novels of the decade. Written by Nigerian American author Tomi Adeyemi, the story is inspired by Yoruba mythology, West African history and culture.
That cultural foundation is part of what makes this adaptation so exciting for Nigerian audiences.
Why This Movie Already Feels Like A Win
The Nigerian representation is only one part of the excitement.
The film also features Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lashana Lynch, Amandla Stenberg, Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris and Tosin Cole.
It’s the kind of cast you’d expect from a major awards contender, not a debut fantasy adaptation. That alone has raised expectations for what Children of Blood and Bone could become.
When To Watch The Movie
Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to hit cinemas on January 15, 2027, including IMAX screenings. So if you’ve been looking for another reason to count down to 2027, this might be it.
