Tomi Adeyemi publicly distances herself from 'Children of Blood and Bone' film

Bestselling YA author Tomi Adeyemi, who co‑wrote the screenplay and serves as executive producer on Paramount Pictures’ adaptation of her 2018 novel *Children of Blood and Bone*, announced on TikTok that she will not watch or promote the movie. She wrote, “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work… I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it,” adding that it has been painful to keep silent.

Adeyemi also shared a screenshot of a private message sent to lead actress Amandla Stenberg, saying, “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.” The author indicated she has blocked the star and is “officially separating my name” from the project because she feels “hurt and attacked behind the scenes.”

The fantasy film, directed by Gina Prince‑Bythewood and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Thuso Mbedu, Idris Elba, Viola Davis and others, is slated for a worldwide release on 15 January 2027. The dispute follows earlier fan criticism over Stenberg’s casting, which some argued did not match the dark‑copper skin description of the character Princess Amari in the books. Adeyemi’s withdrawal comes months before the film’s debut, leaving Paramount with no comment on the author’s statements.