Zanele Potelwa’s United States visit delivered a memorable celebrity encounter when the South African media personality met fellow star Thuso Mbedu in New York.
The television and radio host attended the trailer premiere for Children of Blood and Bone and has been documenting parts of her American adventure for her followers. Among the highlights was a conversation with Mbedu, who is also South African.
Mbedu takes on the central role of Zélie Adebola in the eagerly awaited screen version of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel. In a video shared by Potelwa, the 5FM presenter asked the actor how it felt to portray such an important character.
Mbedu explained that the role had held deep personal meaning for her over many years. She added that she hoped viewers would form the same powerful bond with the movie that she experienced while reading the books.
The Emmy-nominated performer also highlighted the international team behind the production, noting that a South African crew worked on the project alongside people who had travelled from around the world.
Gina Prince-Bythewood directs Children of Blood and Bone, which centres on Zélie’s fight to bring magic back to a kingdom where it was violently destroyed.
The fantasy adventure features a major ensemble cast, including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Amandla Stenberg and Damson Idris.
The newly released trailer offers a striking preview of the film’s magical world and its action-driven story.
The reunion between Mbedu and Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis is particularly meaningful for South African viewers. The pair previously appeared together in the acclaimed historical drama The Woman King.
South Africans have also recently expressed concern after seeing Seputla Sebogodi in Makhanda.
Filming for Children of Blood and Bone was carried out in multiple African settings, among them Cape Town. To prepare for the demanding sequences, the cast completed intensive stunt and combat training.
Mbedu has previously given fans behind-the-scenes videos and released action-focused images that revealed more of Orïsha, the story’s fictional world, as well as the work involved in creating one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films.
After making her Hollywood breakthrough in The Underground Railroad and receiving broad praise for The Woman King, Mbedu has steadily strengthened her reputation as one of South Africa’s leading global stars. Her starring part in Children of Blood and Bone represents another major step forward in her career.
The film is set to reach cinemas worldwide on 15 January 2027.
Elsewhere, Connie Chiume’s daughter, Nothando Chiume, has asked for support as she heads back to Los Angeles to continue her studies.
