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Author Skips Own Film Adaptation Premiere
5 Jul
Summary
- Tomi Adeyemi will not watch the film adaptation of her novel.
- Adeyemi shared a message to Amandla Stenberg regarding name usage.
- The film is an adaptation of Adeyemi's 2018 YA novel.
Tomi Adeyemi, the celebrated author of the 2018 young adult novel "Children of Blood & Bone," has revealed she will not be watching the upcoming Paramount film adaptation. The movie, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and scheduled for release on January 15, 2027, is based on the first book of Adeyemi's Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.
Adeyemi shared on TikTok that she has a "reason" for not posting about the adaptation and has chosen not to view the film, citing personal pain in withholding this information. She also shared a direct message sent to actress Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari, stating, "Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again."
The message to Stenberg was sent in late February 2026, following fan discussions about the casting and the book's description of Princess Amari's "dark copper skin." Stenberg had previously spoken about meeting Adeyemi and how the author's series was inspired by racist remarks Stenberg faced as a child.
The "Children of Blood and Bone" film is set in an African fantasy kingdom. It follows a young woman on a quest to restore magic to her people, who has allied with royal siblings to challenge the king's oppressive rule. The star-studded cast includes Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, and Viola Davis.
