Tomi Adeyemi Distances Herself From ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Movie Adaptation

Tomi Adeyemi, the acclaimed author of the bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone, has publicly addressed her distance from the forthcoming film adaptation of her work, which is scheduled for release by Paramount Pictures on January 15, 2027.

She took to social media to clarify her stance, responding to fans who noticed her lack of promotion for the project.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film is based on Adeyemi’s 2018 debut novel and boasts 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. Despite her distance, Adeyemi is credited as an executive producer and co-wrote the screenplay with Prince-Bythewood, as indicated in publicly shared production details.

@tomi.adeyemi ✨🐉 for everyone’s who’s been asking – i’m answering this question once and for all. #childrenofbloodandbone #tomiadeyemi #booktok #blackbooktok ♬ original sound – shaalo_

In a TikTok video shared on Saturday, Adeyemi revealed screenshots of private messages and posts that clarified her current position. One message explicitly stated her choice to step back from public association with the film. “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all,” she noted in a message shown in the video.

The post also included another message seemingly directed at actress Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari in the film. In that message, Adeyemi requested to be excluded from future discussions and contact. “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.” she emphasized.

According to the timestamp in the screenshot, this message was sent in February 2025, coinciding with a time when Stenberg had publicly addressed online backlash regarding her casting and discussions about colorism, claiming that Adeyemi had supported her involvement. That earlier post has since been removed.

Adeyemi’s TikTok post also contained further insights into her feelings about the adaptation. She stated that she has not seen the completed film and has no plans to watch it. “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 also conveyed a message to her readers, emphasizing that her bond with the audience remains unchanged, despite her altered involvement with 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.”

Although she has distanced herself from the film’s promotion, Adeyemi remains officially involved as an executive producer. She also co-wrote the screenplay with director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who has previously discussed adapting the fantasy novel for the screen. At CinemaCon earlier this year, Prince-Bythewood appeared with several cast members, including Stenberg, Mbedu, Idris, Ejiofor, and King, where she introduced early footage from the film and praised the story’s significance.

The adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is one of Paramount’s major upcoming fantasy releases, but Adeyemi’s recent comments reveal a clear emotional and professional separation from its ongoing promotion.

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