Children of Blood and Bone author Tomi Adeyemi is publicly distancing herself from the upcoming movie adaptation of her fantasy novel.
The Nigerian-American writer sparked headlines over the weekend after she posted a now-viral TikTok video that included what appeared to be screenshots of a text exchange with actress Amandla Stenberg, who stars in the Paramount Pictures adaptation.
In one of the messages, Adeyemi wrote, “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.” The screenshot indicated the recipient had been blocked.
The message was dated Feb. 28, 2025, around the time Stenberg publicly addressed criticism surrounding her casting.
Shortly after the actress landed the role of “Princess Amari” in the film, some fans questioned the decision because the character in Adeyemi’s bestselling novel is described as having “dark copper skin.”
Critics argued the role should have gone to a “darker-skinned” actress, instead of Stenberg who is biracial.
According to Complex, Stenberg responded to the controversy with a 9-minute TikTok video that has since been deleted, and rejected claims that she’s taking roles “from dark-skinned women.”
In another screenshot shared on TikTok, Adeyemi responded to a follower who asked why she was not promoting the movie adaptation. “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all,” the author wrote.
She encouraged readers who want to support her work to buy copies of the Children of Blood and Bone trilogy from an independent bookstore. The posts gave fans a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes tensions surrounding a Hollywood production.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), the film will feature an all-star cast that includes Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Oscar winners Regina King and Viola Davis.
Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Jan. 15, 2027, over the MLK holiday weekend.
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