Author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from Paramount Pictures' upcoming adaptation of her bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone, stating she will not watch the film despite being credited as an executive producer and co-screenwriter. Adeyemi addressed fans in a TikTok post after questions arose about her lack of promotion for the adaptation.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions Revealed
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film features a star-studded cast including Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Viola Davis. Adeyemi shared screenshots of messages indicating long-running tensions behind the scenes. One image displayed a message stating, "There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That's all." Another screenshot appeared to show a message sent to Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari. It read: "Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me." According to timestamps, the message was sent in February 2025, around the time Stenberg publicly addressed criticism over her casting and claimed Adeyemi had supported her. Stenberg's TikTok video has since been deleted.
Adeyemi's Decision Not to Watch
Adeyemi also revealed she has chosen not to view the completed adaptation. "Since someone asked, I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it," she wrote. "It's been painful holding this back from you all." She added: "And I'm sorry if any of you thought I didn't care. I will always care about US. More than any glitter." Responding to a fan in the comments, Adeyemi clarified she was not discouraging audiences from seeing the film. "I do not mind anyone going to watch the film. I wrote this for us. I fought for us. I'm just laying down my sword and officially separating my name because I can't keep being hurt and attacked behind the scenes."
Background on the Novel and Adaptation
Children of Blood and Bone, published in 2018, is the first novel in Adeyemi's Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. It follows a young woman fighting to restore magic to an African-inspired fantasy kingdom. The project was originally developed at Lucasfilm before moving to Paramount after entering turnaround in 2021. The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Adeyemi's request to write the screenplay during the Lucasfilm development process had been declined. The film is now set to arrive in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
