Idris Elba’s “Anti Harry Potter” Fantasy Blockbuster Releases in 2027

If you’re waiting for a new fantasy blockbuster to sweep you off your feet, an upcoming “anti-Harry Potter” adaptation starring Idris Elba — and a bunch of other recognizable actors — is one to keep an eye on. Fantasy TV shows are incredibly common thanks to Game of Thrones, but there’s something special about seeing the genre brought to the big screen. Everything, from the sweeping landscapes and world-building to the action and lore, looks more impressive in that format. Just look at Wicked: For Good or The Odyssey for recent examples of fantasy films done well.

And Children of Blood and Bone promises to bring yet another epic fantasy tale to theaters. It will also be here before you know it. Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s novel of the same name — though Adeyemi has notably distanced herself from the film in recent months — Children of Blood and Bone will set itself apart from much of the fantasy fare that’s blown up over the 21st century. Its world-building draws inspiration from West Africa, and it specifically leans into Yoruba culture. Its predominantly Black cast is an exciting prospect for anyone wishing to see more diversity in the genre. It’s also full of familiar faces, from Elba to Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, and Viola Davis.

The shift away from European-inspired fantasy narratives and settings is refreshing, and the cast is another huge point in Children of Blood and Bone‘s favor. Assuming it stays true to the novel, its approach to serious subjects will also make it essential viewing. It’s a YA story that goes much deeper than something like Harry Potter or even Percy Jackson and the Olympians and His Dark Materials. Hollywood needs more of those, and this 2027 release could set the standard.

‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Is Nothing Like Most YA Fantasy Available On-Screen

Children of Blood and Bone may follow teenage characters and be based on a YA novel, but it tackles an array of serious subjects, from racism and systemic oppression to trauma and indoctrination. The story is set in Orïsha, where magic wielders used to coexist with non-magic users. However, by the time we meet Zélie Adebola, magic has mostly been eradicated by a tyrannical regime. Zélie Adebola sets out to bring it back, forging an alliance with the cruel king’s children to do so. The result is a gripping story that doesn’t shy away from complexity or real-world social commentary.

And Children of Blood and Bone‘s premise already flips a common YA fantasy setup on its head, as so many beloved stories see their main characters being granted magic, thrusting them into a world that’s much better than where they started. Unlike Harry Potter, Children of Blood and Bone presents magic as a death sentence at the beginning of its story. Its heroine may understand that it’s worth saving, but it’s a starkly different take. Magic is initially used to persecute others in this world, whereas so many stories use it as a means of giving their heroes a newfound sense of inclusion and community.

The willingness to engage thoughtfully with more mature and realistic themes also makes Children of Blood and Bone feel like a far cry from most YA fantasy adaptations, albeit in a good way. It’s something we see on the page in other novels, like Legendborn and An Ember in the Ashes, but it’s not as prominent on-screen. Hopefully, that will change when Children of Blood and Bone makes its debut. It has the chance to prove that fantasy shouldn’t always be escapism — and that fresh takes can be just as epic and entertaining while going further thematically.

Children of Blood and Bone arrives in theaters on January 15, 2027.