Latest news with #ChildrenofBloodandBone
Boston Globe
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Harvard alumna Temi Fagbenle mixes moviemaking, supporting role with WNBA debutants Golden State
'It's always been something that was a dream of mine,' she said. 'Even in college, when I could take drama classes, I did it.' Fagbenle returned to the W last year with the Indiana Fever, averaging 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds as if she had never left. The opportunity to perform on the big screen opened up at the same time. Former college classmate Chiwetel Ejiofor , Idris Elba , and Advertisement 'When I found out that the 'Children of Blood and Bone' books were being turned into a movie, I was like, 'I have to be in this movie,' ' Fagbenle said. She reached out to Adeyemi, then the film's director Gina Prince-Bythewood , whose résumé includes 2000 hoop-romance 'Love and Basketball,' ' Advertisement 'Amazing director,' Fagbenle said. And, as it turned out, a WNBA fan. 'Of course, I should have known with 'Love and Basketball', right?' Fagbenle said. 'Huge fan of the WNBA. So she already knew me because she's been following the W and seeing Indiana. She was happy that I reached out.' Setting up the audition was as simple as an email to the casting director. Filming started in February and wrapped in June. 'I felt so lucky for that,' Fagbenle said. 'I did it and just went through the process and I got a role and I'm just so thankful.' Between then, Fagbenle set out for San Francisco to join the Golden State Valkyries. She signed with the expansion franchise in April and is having a career year — 9.7 points and 5.9 assists — for a team that's been equal parts surprise and success story, winning nine of its first 16 games while attracting the largest crowds in the league. 'It's just been an amazing experience,' she said. 'The energy here of everyone, knowing that there's a new women's team, it's just electric.' Fagbenle said she was grateful to have so many opportunities come together at once. 'I feel really blessed,' she said. 'It's obviously not without hard work. What's the saying? Luck is opportunity meets preparation. I feel I've gotten those opportunities, but I'm also very prepared. I've been preparing for all these moments, whether it's acting, whether it's being here on this team. I'm just really thankful for the journey in and out of the W.' Advertisement Tina Charles and the Sun haven't found much easy in the first season after the team's roster was almost entirely turned over. Michael Conroy/Associated Press Sun are snowballing The Connecticut Sun are 2-15 after losing a franchise record nine straight games. They've lost 11 games by double digits and eight by 20 or more, including Before this brutal stretch, the team's longest losing streaks were seven-game skids in 2013 and 2015. The Sun have their worst record through 17 games in franchise history, and it puts them in some bad company. None of the prior eight teams to start 2-15 or worse salvaged winning seasons. In fact, none finished with double-digit wins. The Sun franchise, going back to its days as the Orlando Miracle, has never finished a season with fewer than 10 wins. It finished on that number in 2013 (10-24), then again in the 2020 season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic (10-12). Last month, when the Sun earned their first and to-date Rachid Meziane was encouraged, but also realistic about how long it might take a completely new roster to jell. 'It will take time. I don't have a timeline in my head,' he said. 'We have to continue to practice hard. Maybe it will take one season. I don't know. Because even if we are improving our game, the other teams work too. So they will improve they're game too. So we just have to reduce the gap. When you have a young team like us, we don't have a deadline in mind. Just keep working. It's a long process for us.' The Mercury have made more 3-pointers than any other team in the WNBA, and no one on Phoenix has made more than Sami Whitcomb. Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press Who's hooping? Sami Whitcomb, Phoenix: There isn't a hotter shooter in the league. Whitcomb is 22 of 43 (51.1 percent) from 3-point range her past five games, bouncing back after shooting a career-low 29.2 percent last season. Advertisement Angel Reese, Chicago: Four straight double-doubles. Four straight games with 15-plus rebounds. Reese averaged 17.3 points and 17.5 boards over that span, with 4.5 on the offensive glass (if 'mebounds' are your thing). Appointment viewing The Commissioner's Cup Final, Minnesota vs. Indiana, Tuesday, 8 p.m.: The past two Cup finals have been WNBA Finals previews, and in 2022, the Aces beat the Sky and went on to win the title. Minnesota's not only looking to repeat as Cup champions, but it looks like a machine singularly focused on returning to the WNBA championship. Meanwhile, Indiana is hovering at .500 after losing three of its past five, and Caitlin Clark has missed the past two games with a left groin injury. Julian Benbow can be reached at
The South African
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Thuso Mbedu wraps up filming on 'Children of Blood and Bone'
South African star Thuso Mbedu has officially wrapped filming on the highly anticipated fantasy epic, Children of Blood and Bone. The film, adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel, promises to bring a vibrant African-inspired world to life on the big screen. For Mbedu, who plays the lead role of Zélie Adebola, this marks another exciting chapter in her rising international career. The production is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her acclaimed work on The Woman King , according to Elle The film's schedule was demanding, but Mbedu expressed her gratitude and excitement. 'To know that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people as we tell this great story is truly humbling. I'm so excited. I'm so grateful'. Children of Blood and Bone follows Thuso Mbedu's Zélie, a young woman in the fictional land of Orïsha. She embarks on a quest to restore magic stolen by the tyrannical King Saran. She embarks on this journey alongside her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, and the king's children. The King's children are Princess Amari (Amandla Stenberg) and Prince Inan (Damson Idris). Zélie challenges the oppressive regime to reclaim her people's power. The story's rich West African influences and themes of resilience and hope resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Hollywood heavyweights Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Lashana Lynch. This ensemble reflects a pan-African and diaspora representation, which director Prince-Bythewood highlighted as the source of the film's 'magic.' She said, 'Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies'. For South African audiences, seeing Mbedu lead such a significant project is a moment of pride. Thuso Mbedu has become a beacon of talent and determination, showing that local actors can shine on the global stage without losing their roots. The film's production in South Africa also underscores the country's growing role as a hub for international filmmaking. The filmmakers plan to release the movie in early 2027, and fans are already building anticipation. Both book lovers and newcomers eagerly await seeing how the magical world of Orïsha will come to life on screen. Mbedu's powerful portrayal of Zélie is expected to be a highlight, capturing the fierce spirit and heart of the character. In a recent interview, Adeyemi praised the collaboration with Prince-Bythewood and Thuso Mbedu. 'What Gina does so well is tell these deep, complex stories of women who look like us front and centre. This is especially so with incredible action set pieces and cinematography. It feels divine. It feels bigger than just making this project. We're really in sync'. As the cameras stop rolling, the journey for Children of Blood and Bone is just beginning. South Africa can proudly claim Thuso Mbedu's success as a shining example of local talent making waves globally. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Elle
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
There's Big News From the ‘Children of Blood and Bone' Set
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. One of the most celebrated YA novels in recent history—Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone—is finally making its way to the big screen. The first installment in Adeyemi's Legacy of Orïsha fantasy trilogy, the book (and its follow-ups) have become enormous hits, and Paramount Pictures has brought in an impressive talent line-up to shepherd the adaptation. In 2024, Adeyemi told ELLE that there was 'so much happening' with the film, the rights to which Fox 2000 initially acquired in 2017, prior to the book's publication. But after the Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox, a series of transitions eventually led to the rights expiring, and Paramount Pictures scooped up Children of Blood and Bone in 2022. Since then, Variety reports, 'The project has been a top priority for the studio leadership.' Here's what we know about the film so far. Adeyemi's story follows Zélie Adebola as a young woman in the West African-inspired land of Orïsha, where magic has been all but erased thanks to King Saran's persecution of Zélie's brethren. Zélie must team up with her brother, Tzain, as well as the king's children—Princess Amari and Prince Inan—to take control of their powers, rebel against the monarchy, and restore magic to their land. Children of Blood and Bone has a stacked ensemble. Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, and Damson Idris will round out the film's leads, with Mbedu (The Woman King) as Zélie; Cole (The Force Awakens) as Zélie's older brother, Tzain; Stenberg (The Acolyte) as Princess Amari; and Idris (Snowfall) as Prince Inan. Joining them are Viola Davis as Mama Agba; Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran; Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea; Idris Elba as Lekan; and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke. Readers, fret not. Adeyemi is heavily involved in the adaptation of her beloved series, executive producing and co-writing the script alongside director Gina Prince-Bythewood, equally beloved for her work directing such films as Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, The Old Guard, and The Woman King. Adeyemi described working with Prince-Bythewood in a 2024 ELLE interview. 'She's the calmest force of nature I've ever witnessed and collaborating with her has been so much fun,' Adeyemi said. 'What Gina does so well is tell these deep, complex stories of women who look like us front and center, with incredible action set pieces, incredible cinematography. It feels divine. It feels bigger than [just] making this project. We're really in sync.' Yes. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 15, 2027. Yes! On June 2, director Gina Prince-Bythewood posted a carousel on Instagram with photos of her and the cast with the caption, 'That is a Wrap on production! 74 days. Two countries and two islands. A passionate and dedicated crew. And an extraordinary cast who gave EVERYTHING. And the journey has just begun…' This story will be updated.
