Former Doctor Who star Tosin Cole has landed a leading role in Gina Prince-Bythewood's upcoming adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone.
Based on Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel of the same name, the action fantasy film will tell the story Zélie Adebola, a young woman who attempts to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha after it was stolen from her people by the ruthless King Saran.
According to Variety, The Woman King's Thuso Mbedu will take on the role of Zélie, while Cole will play her older brother Tzain.
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Zélie and Tzain form an alliance with King Saran's daughter, Princess Amari (played by Amandla Stenberg), and son, Prince Inan (Damson Idris), to fight back against his brutal rule.
The film's star-studded cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran, Viola Davis as Mama Agba, Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea, Idris Elba as Lekan and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke.
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Variety reports that Regina King, Diaana Babnicova and Bukky Bakray are also in talks to star in the film, which is scheduled to be released in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
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Children of Blood and Bone will reunite Prince-Bythewood with both Mbedu and Davis, who starred in the director's 2022 historical epic The Woman King.
"I am so honoured and excited to bring Tomi's Children of Blood and Bone and the vibrant world of Orïsha to life," said Prince-Bythewood. "Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies."
Cole, who played Ryan Sinclair on Doctor Who, was last seen on screen in Netflix's superhero series Supacell, which follows five people from South London with sickle cell disease who unexpectedly develop superpowers.
Shortly after its debut in June, it was announced that Supacell had been renewed for a second season.
Children of Blood and Bone will be released in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
