Thuso Mbedu, the acclaimed actress known for her robust performances, has opened up about sustaining serious injuries while filming her latest feature, *Children of Blood and Bone*. Speaking at the New York Comic Con on 10 October 2026, Mbedu detailed her experience with injuries that included a popped rib and a strained hip flexor during an intensive stunt training regimen.
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The actress, who is 35 years old, took part in a demanding training schedule in preparation for her role in the upcoming film, which is based on the bestseller by Tomi Adeyemi. Mbedu explained that the cast participated in training sessions five days a week, comprising 90 minutes of conditioning followed by three hours of stunt practice each day.
However, the rigorous nature of the training took a toll on her body. Mbedu reflected on the challenges she faced, saying, “So the moment came, I popped my rib. At some point this time, I strained my hip flexor. So there’s always something, patching scars.” She recounted the troubling experience of realising her rib had been injured, believing it to be merely a muscle pull at first. “When I was home trying to sleep, I couldn’t breathe and laughing was a pain,” she revealed.
The seriousness of her condition led to a flurry of concern. “It was like, ‘Oh my gosh, am I dying?’” she recalled. Fortunately, a medical assessment concluded that it was a popped rib, and Mbedu was reassured that it would heal on its own with time. Health professionals advised her to simply manage the pain and continue her recovery.
Popped ribs are not typically life-threatening; rather, they can be excruciatingly painful. This injury often occurs when a rib becomes dislocated due to weakened cartilage. Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sufficient rest to ensure a full recovery.
Mbedu noted that her training for *Children of Blood and Bone* presented unique challenges compared to her prior work on *The Woman King*. She highlighted the significant difference in weaponry, stating, “On *The Woman King*, I had a machete, and then for this one I had to learn the bo staff.” To aid her preparation, she practiced with a portable version of the staff wherever she could, even while travelling. “I literally carried a portable staff that couldn’t make it past the TSA, because apparently it’s a weapon. Depending on what you bring, you really get into trouble,” she laughed, illustrating the lengths she went to for her role.
*Children of Blood and Bone*, which is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, tells the story of a young woman’s quest to restore magic to the land of Orïsha while battling a cruel monarchy. Mbedu stars alongside an ensemble cast that includes notable names such as Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, and Viola Davis.
At the Comic Con panel, Prince-Bythewood praised the source material and the depth of storytelling found within Adeyemi’s work. “Everything that was in those pages that Tomi wrote is everything that makes a great film,” she noted, emphasising the rich tapestry of characters, magic, and adventure embedded in the narrative.
However, it’s important to mention that Adeyemi has expressed discontent regarding her involvement in the film, citing an emotionally taxing experience on set, resulting in her departure earlier this year. She had described feelings of distress, stating she left “hyperventilating and sobbing.”
As anticipation builds, *Children of Blood and Bone* is set for release in cinemas on 15 January 2027. With an engaging premise and a dedicated cast, the film is poised to attract audiences, while Mbedu continues to navigate the challenges and triumphs of her acting career.