From Johannesburg to New York, the global spotlight continues to find South African talent. This time, it was award-winning television and radio personality Zanele Potelwa who found herself at the centre of one of Hollywood’s most anticipated film moments, meeting fellow South African actress Thuso Mbedu ahead of the release of Children of Blood and Bone.
Invited by Paramount Pictures South Africa to attend the film’s New York press day, Zanele had the opportunity to sit down with Thuso at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for a conversation surrounding the highly anticipated fantasy film and its upcoming trailer launch. For Zanele, the experience was both a career highlight and a proud moment of seeing another South African woman continue to make her mark internationally.
Thuso stars as Zeile in the film, an adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel. Set in the fictional world of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows a young woman who embarks on a dangerous journey to restore the magic that was violently stolen from her people. Alongside her brother and the children of the king responsible for their oppression, she must challenge a brutal regime and fight to reclaim what has been lost.
Speaking about taking on the role, Thuso shared how honoured, grateful and excited she is to bring Zeile to life. For the actress, the story carries a message that extends beyond its fantasy setting, particularly in its call for people to stand up and fight for what they believe in.
The New York press day brought together some of the film’s most notable stars and creative forces, including director and co-writer Gina Prince-Bythewood, Regina King, Lashana Lynch and Tosin Cole. Prince-Bythewood also took the opportunity to speak about her experience working with Thuso, highlighting the actress’s talent and the trust she has developed in her work. Describing Thuso as a “generational talent”, the director offered a powerful endorsement of the South African actress as she takes on one of her biggest roles to date.
The film’s cast is undoubtedly one of its biggest draws, with Thuso joined by Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba and Viola Davis.
While the conversations inside the press room were centred around the film, Zanele also made her own statement on the New York red carpet. Dressed in a striking creation by Otiz Seflo, styled by Mr Suave and with her hair done by Sibahle Siyakhula, she brought a distinctly South African sense of style to the international event.
Yet beyond the glamour, the significance of the occasion was not lost on Zanele.
“I am so grateful to God for placing me in such spaces to get to work and dream even bigger in,” she said. “Getting to speak to a fellow South African doing amazing things on a global scale was an honour.”
The moment also reflects the growing visibility of African talent within the international entertainment industry. From actors and filmmakers to presenters and media personalities, African creatives are increasingly taking their place in global spaces, bringing their perspectives, talent and stories to audiences far beyond the continent.
For Thuso, Children of Blood and Bone represents another significant chapter in an already remarkable international career. For Zanele, the opportunity to interview her in New York is another reminder of what can happen when talent, ambition and opportunity meet.
The film itself promises to be an ambitious cinematic experience, blending fantasy and action with themes of identity, power, resistance and courage. Adding to the anticipation, the official trailer features new original music from Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artists Tems and Burna Boy.
With a story rooted in an African-inspired world and an extraordinary international cast, Children of Blood and Bone is already shaping up to be one of the films to watch in 2027. And for South African audiences, seeing Thuso take on such a central role makes the wait even more exciting.
Children of Blood and Bone will release in cinemas on 15 January 2027 via Paramount Pictures. Until then, audiences can watch the official trailer and catch Zanele’s conversation with Thuso from the New York press day.
For Zanele, the trip to New York offered more than a front-row seat to a major Hollywood production. It was an opportunity to celebrate South African excellence on a global stage and to witness, first-hand, just how far the country’s talent continues to travel.
