Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from the upcoming film adaptation of her bestselling YA fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone, stating she "will not watch" the movie directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
In group chat messages shared to TikTok, Adeyemi wrote: "There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work." She also shared what appear to be messages sent to star Amandla Stenberg in February 2025, reading: "Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me."
Film details and cast
The Paramount adaptation of Adeyemi's debut novel is set to premiere on 15 January 2027. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), the film boasts a star-studded cast including Amandla Stenberg, Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Viola Davis.
Stenberg faced colorism backlash after her casting as Princess Amari, who is described in the book as having "dark copper skin." In a now-deleted TikTok, Stenberg responded to the "perception of me that I steal roles from dark-skinned women," noting that Amari's skin is described as lighter than other characters' "darker chestnut and mahogany hues."
Adeyemi's statement
"I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it," Adeyemi added on TikTok. "It's been painful holding this back from you all … And I'm sorry if any of you thought I didn't care about US. More than any glitter."
Replying to a fan, Adeyemi said: "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."
Book's impact
Children of Blood and Bone is the first book in Adeyemi's Legacy of Orïsha series. Upon its 2018 release, it debuted at number one on the New York Times Young Adult bestsellers list, and Adeyemi was named to Forbes's 30 Under 30 list. In a previous interview with the Guardian, she said: "I had a lot of different reasons for writing the book but at its core was the desire to write for black teenage girls growing up reading books they were absent from."
The Guardian has reached out to Paramount and Prince-Bythewood for comment. Adeyemi co-wrote the film with Prince-Bythewood.
