Author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from the forthcoming film adaptation of her bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone, saying she has no intention of watching or promoting the project despite being credited as an executive producer and co-screenwriter.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Adeyemi addressed fans through a TikTok video after many questioned why she had remained silent about the Paramount Pictures production, which is scheduled to reach cinemas on 15 January 2027.
The film adapts Adeyemi’s acclaimed 2018 debut novel and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. It features an ensemble cast including Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Viola Davis.
In her TikTok post, Adeyemi shared a screenshot of a message stating, “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all.”
She also posted what appeared to be a message sent to actor Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari in the film. The message read: “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.” The screenshot also suggested that Adeyemi had blocked the actor.
The timestamp on the message showed it was sent in February 2025, around the time Stenberg responded on TikTok to criticism over her casting. In that now-deleted video, Stenberg said Adeyemi had supported her selection for the role.
Adeyemi later revealed she has deliberately stayed away from the adaptation altogether.
“I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it,” she wrote in another message shared in the video. “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 section, Adeyemi clarified that she was not discouraging people 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,” she wrote.
Children of Blood and Bone, the opening novel in Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, follows a young woman on a mission to restore the magic taken from her people in a fictional African-inspired kingdom. She joins forces with her brother and two royal siblings to challenge the kingdom’s oppressive ruler.
Earlier this year, Prince-Bythewood appeared alongside cast members Stenberg, Mbedu, Damson Idris, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Regina King at CinemaCon, where the first footage from the film was unveiled. Speaking at the event, the director said she felt honoured to bring the bestselling fantasy novel to the big screen.
