‘Children Of Blood And Bone’ Author Tomi Adeyemi Says She Won’t Watch Film Adaptation, Is “Officially Separating” Her Name From Project

Tomi Adeyemi

‘Children Of Blood And Bone’ Author Tomi Adeyemi Says She Won’t Watch Film Adaptation, Is “Officially Separating” Her Name From Project

Tomi Adeyemi is opening up about why she hasn’t been promoting the upcoming film adaptation of her bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone — and her comments are raising eyebrows.

In a series of TikTok posts, the author revealed she’s intentionally keeping her distance from Paramount Pictures’ adaptation of her 2018 fantasy novel, which is scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 15, 2027. Despite serving as an executive producer and receiving a screenplay credit alongside director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Adeyemi shared a screenshot of a message that read, “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all.”

The author also shared what appeared to be a message she previously sent to actress Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari in the film. In the screenshot, Adeyemi wrote, “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.” According to the timestamp shown in the message, it was sent in February 2025, around the time Stenberg addressed criticism over her casting and said Adeyemi had supported her. That TikTok video has since been deleted.

Adeyemi later posted another screenshot stating, “Since someone asked, I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it. It’s been painful holding this back from you all.” She added, “I’m sorry if any of you thought I didn’t care. I will always care about us. More than any glitter.” When one fan said they were saddened by her comments, Adeyemi replied, “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.”

Children of Blood and Bone stars Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Viola Davis. The film marks the first installment in Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy and is slated to debut in theaters on Jan. 15, 2027.