The planned film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is facing public criticism from its own author. Tomi Adeyemi has posted videos distancing herself from the project and says she does not intend to watch the finished film when it reaches cinemas next January.
The young-adult fantasy adaptation is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for Love & Basketball, and features a major Black cast including Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Amandla Stenberg.
Why Adeyemi is distancing herself from the adaptation
Authors have disagreed with screen versions of their books before, but Adeyemi says her concerns go beyond simply disliking the result. In an earlier video that has since been deleted, she said she was “officially separating” her name from the movie.
That post also showed screenshots of an alleged 2025 text message to Stenberg. The message reportedly asked the actor not to use Adeyemi’s name in interviews or videos about the production. A previous (since-deleted) video documented those claims.
Adeyemi has told readers that she does not object to them seeing the film. However, she says she was “hurt and attacked behind the scenes” and wants no further association with the production.
Author describes severe personal distress
In a new video posted on July 29, Adeyemi said people at the “highest level” of the project knew about what she says happened behind the scenes, but that no effective action followed.
She referred to “severe somatic pain” and panic attacks, describing the filmmaking process as “the worst thing I’ve ever had to live through.” Adeyemi asked fans to understand that she does not want to hear about the film again and said she is trying to move forward.
“The worst thing I’ve ever had to live through.”
Readers can view Adeyemi’s public updates through @tomi.adeyemi, including posts tagged #childrenofbloodandbone.
Earlier casting debate adds context
Commenters have criticised the author for not explaining the dispute in greater detail. It is also possible that legal or personal considerations limit what she can disclose publicly.
The production previously faced accusations of colourism after its casting was announced, particularly over the choice of Stenberg. The actor has said that Adeyemi wanted her in the role and defended the casting.
The path from that earlier support to Adeyemi reportedly asking Stenberg not to contact her remains unclear. For now, the author appears determined to avoid questions about the adaptation while promoting her next book, The Siren, which is scheduled for release on September 26.
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