Story perspectives

Tomi Adeyemi Blocks Amandla, Skips ‘Blood & Bone’ Film

7/5/2026

Summary

Adeyemi Rejects Film

Tomi Adeyemi announced she will not watch the Paramount adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone.
She co-wrote the screenplay with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and was executive producer.
She blocked Amandla Stenberg after sending a February 28, 2025 message not to use Adeyemi’s name.
Film releases on Jan. 15, 2027, starring Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King and Viola Davis.

Summary

Zélie Restores Magic

The film opens in IMAX on January 15, 2027.
Set in a West African-inspired fantasy kingdom, Zélie Adebola seeks to restore stolen magic.
Amandla Stenberg stars as Princess Amari while Nigerian newcomers Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba were cast in Nigeria.
Ayra Starr appears, adding authentic music, while the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy has spent 175 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list and sold nearly three million copies.

Summary

Adeyemi Boycotts

The cast added veteran Nigerian actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, singer Ayra Starr, and newcomers Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba, boosting Nigerian presence.
Adeyemi praised the casting process, said more Nigerian casting news was forthcoming, then urged fans to support the books rather than the film, adding she will not watch or promote it.
Critics note the film pairs lighter-skinned women with darker-skinned male relatives, a visual choice often at odds with the books.

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Adeyemi Rejects Film

Tomi Adeyemi announced she will not watch the Paramount adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone.
She co-wrote the screenplay with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and was executive producer.
She blocked Amandla Stenberg after sending a February 28, 2025 message not to use Adeyemi’s name.
Film releases on Jan. 15, 2027, starring Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King and Viola Davis.

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