Ayra Starr to Make Hollywood Debut in Blockbuster Film ‘Children of Blood and Bone’
Nigerian music star, Ayra Starr is stepping into new creative territory as she prepares to make her Hollywood acting debut in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, a fantasy epic based on the bestselling novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi.
The upcoming film, produced by Paramount Pictures, features an all-star, predominantly Black cast and is set in a fictional West African-inspired kingdom called Orïsha.
Starr, known globally for her chart-topping Afrobeats hits such as “Rush” and “Sability,” will join the cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role, marking her first appearance on the big screen.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, acclaimed for The Woman King, the film centers on a young warrior, Zélie, who seeks to restore magic to her oppressed people after it is wiped out by a ruthless monarchy.
South African actress Thuso Mbedu will play the lead role of Zélie, with other major international stars including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, and Lashana Lynch also confirmed in the ensemble.
Ayra Starr will not be the only Nigerian talent in the production. Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo has also been cast, along with emerging Nigerian actors such as Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba. British-Nigerian basketball star Temi Fagbenle, who has also turned to acting, will appear in the film as well.
Their inclusion reflects the filmmakers’ commitment to grounding the movie deeply in West African culture and heritage.
Production began in early 2025, with filming locations spanning Lagos, Nigeria and parts of South Africa.
Paramount has slated the theatrical and IMAX release for January 15, 2027. The studio has emphasized its vision of bringing Adeyemi’s richly imagined world to life through high-end visuals and an authentic cast representing the African diaspora.
Ayra Starr’s transition from music to film is being closely watched by fans and industry observers alike. At just 22 years old, she has established herself as one of Africa’s fastest-rising stars, with multiple awards and global recognition for her music.
Her move into acting, especially in a project of this scale and cultural importance, signals her growing influence across entertainment spheres.
The film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone has long been awaited by fans of the novel, which was a New York Times bestseller and part of a trilogy hailed for its Afrocentric storytelling, magical world-building, and strong female lead.
Originally optioned by Lucasfilm, the project moved to Paramount after years of development, with renewed momentum and broader representation goals under its new production team.
As anticipation builds ahead of its release, Ayra Starr’s Hollywood debut is already being celebrated as a milestone not only in her career, but also for the growing presence of African voices in mainstream global cinema.
