Author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from the upcoming film adaptation of her best-selling debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone. In a series of social media posts, the writer, who serves as a co-writer and executive producer on the project, confirmed she has no intention of viewing the movie when it arrives in theaters.
The adaptation of the 2018 fantasy novel, which was recently moved from development at Lucasfilm to Paramount Pictures, is slated for a January 15, 2027 release. The project has been a long-gestating entity in Hollywood, frequently cited for its cultural significance and its roots in West African Yoruba traditions.
What We Know
- Adeyemi announced via TikTok and Instagram that she has not seen the film and has chosen not to watch it, describing the experience of holding back her feelings as painful.
- The author leaked text messages demanding that an unnamed individual stop using her name in promotional videos or interviews related to the production.
- Adeyemi has blocked lead actress Amandla Stenberg on social media, further highlighting a public rift between the project’s creative lead and its primary cast.
- Fans have been instructed by Adeyemi to support her work by purchasing books directly from independent children’s bookstores, rather than engaging with the film adaptation.
Tensions regarding the project date back to the initial casting announcements, which triggered an intense online debate concerning colorism. Critics pointed to the casting of lighter-skinned actresses in roles that were explicitly described as having dark skin in the original text. Amandla Stenberg had previously sought to address these concerns in a widely circulated TikTok video, where she claimed that Adeyemi had personally selected her for the role, according to coverage from TheGrio.
The production has faced significant hurdles behind the scenes, including reports of extensive script revisions and reshoots conducted earlier this year. Discontent within the creative team appeared to surface during a footage presentation at CinemaCon in April 2026, where the reception was reportedly subdued. The public falling out between the author and the production team, detailed by ScreenRant, now casts a shadow over the film’s promotional trajectory as it heads toward its 2027 premiere.