‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Author Tomi Adeyemi “Will Not Watch” Film Version: “Officially Separating My Name”
With a cast that includes Amandla Stenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Viola Davis, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s feature of the 2018 YA novel will hit theaters next year from Paramount.
TomiAdeyemi is sharing her feelings about the forthcoming feature adaptation of her YA novel Children of Blood and Bone.
The author took to social media to address any fans of her work who may have wondered why she has not recently been promoting the film version that hits theaters Jan. 15, 2027.
The video also included screenshot of an apparent message that she sent to Stenberg, who plays Princess Amari in the movie. Adeyemi’s message read, “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.” The image suggested that Adeyemi had blocked the actress known for roles in The Hunger Games and The Hate U Give.
According to the time stamp from the screenshot, the author sent her message in February 2025. Stenberg posted a video to TikTok in which she responded to colorism backlash surrounding her role and said that Adeyemi had supported her casting. That post has since been deleted.
She added, “And 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 posted in the TikTok feeling sad, the author 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 was previously at Lucasfilm, with Paramount acquiring the property after it went into turnaround in late 2021. At that time, Adeyemi’s request to write the script had been denied.
Prince-Bythewood (Woman King) accompanied cast members Stenberg, Mbedu, Idris, Ejiofor and King at CinemaCon earlier this year to debute first footage from Children of Blood and Bone.
