The big-screen adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling debut novel, “Children of Blood and Bone,” is likely to be Lucasfilm’s first non-“Star Wars,” non-“Indiana Jones” feature. According to Deadline, “This Is Us” scribe Kay Oyegun has been hired to write the pic.
Fox 2000 originally acquired the rights to the YA book almost a year prior to its 2018 publication with plans for a film. Now, post Fox-Disney merger, “the project is building a new head of steam” thanks to Fox/Disney’s Emma Watts and Lucasfilm prez Kathleen Kennedy. “Sources said some of the pieces are still moving on this one, but the potential involvement of Lucasfilm assures this is an important project at the studio,” Deadline notes.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, “Children of Blood and Bone” is the first of a planned fantasy trilogy. Set in a West African-esque world of Orïsha, the story is about Zélie, whose people wield magic. But that magic — and Zélie’s mother — died at the hands of a cruel leader. “Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good,” per the book’s synopsis. “Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers — and her growing feelings for an enemy.”
The series’ second installment, “Children of Virtue and Vengeance,” will hit shelves later this year.
At just 23, Adeyemi received a seven-figure book deal from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for “Children of Blood and Bone.” The Nigerian-American author also works as a creative writing coach.
“Queen Sugar” and “A Luv Tale: The Series” are among Oyegun’s writing credits. She directed the latter, a web series focusing on the friendship between four lesbians of color in Harlem. Oyegun is also a co-producer on NBC’s hit drama “This Is Us.” After a bidding war, her spec script, “Assisted Living,” landed at Paramount Pictures this year. Described as “‘Sister Act’ meets ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,'” it centers on a thief who, while on the run from her old crew, takes refuge in a retirement home.
