Author publicly cuts ties with film adaptation
Bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly denounced the film adaptation of her novel Children of Blood and Bone and told its lead actress, Amandla Stenberg, to never 'use [her] name' again. The 32-year-old Nigerian-American writer shared a TikTok video over the weekend explaining her decision to distance herself from the Paramount Pictures project, which is currently in post-production.
The young adult fantasy novel, released in 2018, received one of the biggest YA publishing deals ever and was quickly optioned for a film adaptation. The star-studded cast includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, with Thuso Mbedu playing protagonist Zélie Adebola and Stenberg as Princess Amari.
Adeyemi shares private messages in TikTok video
In the TikTok video, Adeyemi displayed screenshots of Instagram messages she sent to unidentified recipients. One message dated June 25 read: 'there is a reason i will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. that is all.' Another follow-up urged supporters to purchase her trilogy at independent children's bookstores.
The most dramatic revelation was a message sent to Stenberg on February 28, 2025, in which Adeyemi wrote: 'do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. do not text me. do not call me.' An iPhone notification confirmed she had blocked the actress. A partial reply from Stenberg visible in the screenshot included the line: 'My only hope was to reconnect as human beings.'
Adeyemi says she will not watch the film
Adeyemi also shared messages in a group chat viewed by 1.6k people, stating: 'i have not seen the film, and i will not watch it.' She added: 'it's been painful holding this back from you all' and 'i will always care about US. more than any glitter.'
Fans expressed confusion and concern in the comments. @soheebby asked: 'Why the sudden change? you were a big defender, what happened?!?' while @sayyida.al.hurra called it 'messy'. Adeyemi responded to one follower: '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.'
Previous colourism controversy and casting backlash
Last year, Stenberg posted her own TikTok addressing colourism backlash after being cast as Princess Amari, who is described in the book as having 'dark copper skin'. She claimed Adeyemi supported her casting, recounting a meeting where Adeyemi said Stenberg's experience as Rue in The Hunger Games inspired her to write the series. Stenberg has since deleted that video.
Adeyemi, who was originally an executive producer on the film, had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Lucasfilm's pace and requested to serve as a scriptwriter, a request that was declined. The rights later lapsed and were acquired by Paramount in 2022. In December 2023, Gina Prince-Bythewood was announced as director, and Adeyemi was approved to write the script.
Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled for US release on January 15, 2027. Paramount Pictures and representatives for Stenberg have been contacted for comment.
