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Paramount Unveils “Children of Blood” Trailer Amid Casting Backlash

8/1/2026

Summary

Paramount Releases Trailer

United States Paramount Pictures released the first Children of Blood and Bone trailer, unveiling Orïsha and naming Gina Prince as director.
The film credits Tomi Adeyemi as co-screenwriter and stars Amandla Stenberg as Zélie, alongside Lashana Lynch and Viola Davis.
Adeyemi says the adaptation was “the worst thing I have ever lived through,” alleging pain, panic attacks and antagonism, and notes the movie opens on Jan. 15, 2027.

Summary

Stenberg Faces Backlash

Amandla Stenberg’s casting as Princess Amari, described with “dark copper skin,” sparked colorism backlash.
In February 2025 Stenberg posted a now-deleted TikTok denying claims she “steals roles from dark-skinned women.”
In July 2026 a TikTok from Nnedi Okorafor Adeyemi displayed a February 25 2025 message ordering Stenberg not to use Adeyemi’s name, after which Adeyemi blocked her.
Paramount Pictures and director Gina Prince have not publicly addressed the casting controversy or the alleged messages.

History

Historical Context

In February 2018 Marvel Studios released Black Panther, the MCU’s 18th film directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman, which earned over $1.3 billion worldwide and was the first Marvel movie with a Black director and predominantly Black cast, sparking global debate on representation. The 2024 Paramount adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, starring Amandla Stenberg, now faces colorism criticism, reflecting Black Panther’s influence on casting.

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Paramount Releases Trailer

United States Paramount Pictures released the first Children of Blood and Bone trailer, unveiling Orïsha and naming Gina Prince as director.
The film credits Tomi Adeyemi as co-screenwriter and stars Amandla Stenberg as Zélie, alongside Lashana Lynch and Viola Davis.
Adeyemi says the adaptation was “the worst thing I have ever lived through,” alleging pain, panic attacks and antagonism, and notes the movie opens on Jan. 15, 2027.

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