Tomi Adeyemi Denounces “Children of Blood and Bone” Film Adaptation

In a five-minute TikTok video posted on a Wednesday, author Tomi Adeyemi—co-writer of the Paramount adaptation of her 2018 YA fantasy novel *Children of Blood and Bone*—said she left the film set “hyperventilating and sobbing.” Adeyemi also announced she is cutting all ties with the project and will not promote it.

‘Worst Thing I’ve Lived Through: Children of Blood and Bone Author Disowns Viola Davis Movie Children Of Blood And Bone | Author Tomi Adeyemi distances herself from the film adaptation in no uncertain terms Paramount's New Fantasy Film Adaptation Left Author 'Sobbing and Hyperventilating' After On-Set Incident Children of Blood and Bone Author Addresses Movie Controversy, “Worst Thing I’ve Ever Had to Live Through” Variety MagazineAV ClubTomi Adeyemi says Children of Blood and Bone film was her worst ordeal Tomi Adeyemi Says 'Children of Blood and Bone' Movie Was Her 'Worst' Experience The Children of Blood and Bone trailer is here. (But you might want to buy the book instead.)

*Children of Blood and Bone* became a bestseller upon release, launching Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Paramount Pictures secured the rights and attached director Gina Prince-Bythewood (also a co-screenwriter) to the high-profile fantasy adaptation. The first official trailer debuted on July 28, 2026, showcasing a star-studded cast that includes Viola Davis, Regina King, Amandla Stenberg (Princess Amari), Thuso Mbedu, Idris Elba, and others. Casting of Stenberg sparked online debate over colorism, and a now-deleted TikTok from Adeyemi displayed a group-chat screenshot in which she told Stenberg, “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.”

The Guardian

• She did not address Adeyemi’s specific allegations.

Paramount's New Fantasy Film Adaptation Left Author 'Sobbing and Hyperventilating' After On-Set Incident

• Paramount Pictures – The studio declined to comment when contacted by multiple outlets.

The Wrap

• Amandla Stenberg (actor) – No direct comment was provided to the press regarding the alleged private messages.

Children Of Blood And Bone | Author Tomi Adeyemi distances herself from the film adaptation in no uncertain terms

• Release schedule: Trailer – July 28, 2026; Film – January 15, 2027.

Children of Blood and Bone worst thing I’ve had to live through — Tomi Adeyemi

• Cast highlights: Viola Davis, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Amandla Stenberg, Thuso Mbedu, among others.

Children of Blood and Bone worst thing I’ve had to live through — Tomi Adeyemi

• “But as it is being marketed,” — Tomi Adeyemi, author

Variety Magazine

• “I don’t wish to speak on it anymore. I don’t know if that’s possible,” — Tomi Adeyemi, author

Variety Magazine

• “There are many witnesses, so it’s not really a secret,” — Tomi Adeyemi, author

The Wrap

• “I knew it was so bad that I would never ever be able to watch this film, and I made peace with that.” — Tomi Adeyemi, author

‘Worst Thing I’ve Lived Through: Children of Blood and Bone Author Disowns Viola Davis Movie

*Adeyemi* did not identify the individuals or specific actions she characterizes as “antagonizing” her, leaving the precise nature of the conflict unclear. Paramount Pictures, Prince-Bythewood, and Stenberg have not provided public responses, creating a gap between the author’s allegations and any official acknowledgment or explanation from the production side. No independent verification of the alleged on-set incidents has been offered.

Tomi Adeyemi Says Film Adaptation of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Left Her ‘Sobbing’ and Is the ‘Worst Thing I’ve Had to Live Through’