Fantasy author, Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from the upcoming “Children of Blood and Bone” film adaptation, describing her experience making the movie as “the worst thing I have ever had to live through.” The bestselling author shared the emotional remarks in a five-minute social media video, claiming she left the film’s set “hyperventilating and sobbing” and continues to face behind-the-scenes antagonism.
The comments come just days after Paramount released the first trailer for “Children of Blood and Bone,” one of the most anticipated fantasy films of 2027. While Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay and serves as an executive producer, she said she has no intention of watching the finished movie and hopes to move on from the project entirely.
Tomi Adeyemi Shares Emotional Statement
Author Tomi Adeyemi, who previously distanced herself from the ‘CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE’ film adaptation, claims she is “still being antagonized behind the scenes.”
“This film is also the worst thing I’ve ever had to live through.” pic.twitter.com/ZpUZmn9bDt
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 29, 2026
In the video, Adeyemi said the issues surrounding the adaptation have been known internally for about a year and a half.
“What I’m about to share is not a secret to the people involved,” she said. “Everyone involved, at least at the highest level, has been made aware of this reality, and they haven’t done anything to make it better.”
According to the author, she initially chose to remain silent, hoping the situation would stay private. However, with the film’s promotional campaign now underway, she felt compelled to explain why she has separated herself from the project.
Adeyemi said she did not intend to discuss the broader challenges she faced while writing her bestselling trilogy, focusing instead on what happened during and after the movie’s production.
Author Says She Left the Set in Tears
One of the most striking revelations from Tomi Adeyemi’s statement was her account of leaving the set of “Children of Blood and Bone” in emotional distress.
She claimed she left production “hyperventilating and sobbing,” adding that multiple people witnessed the incident.
After returning to the United States, Adeyemi said she suffered severe panic attacks and somatic pain, experiences that convinced her she would never be able to watch the completed film.
“I knew it was so bad that I would never ever be able to watch this film,” she said.
Adeyemi also alleged that she continues to be antagonized behind the scenes, although she did not provide specific details or identify any individuals involved.
Paramount and Director Have Not Responded
As of publication, Paramount Pictures, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, and representatives for Adeyemi had not publicly commented on the author’s allegations.
Adeyemi emphasized that she no longer wants to discuss the production.
“I never want to hear about this project again,” she said. “I don’t have anything to say about the people who made it. I do not care anymore. I’m trying to move on.”
Despite her public criticism, she stopped short of calling for a boycott of the film.
Earlier Posts Sparked Fan Speculation
Author Tomi Adeyemi reveals that she has distanced herself from the upcoming film adaptation of her novel ‘CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE,’ directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood:
“there is a reason i will not post anything about the adaptation of my work… i have not seen the film, and… pic.twitter.com/UPHz5fyQoX
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 4, 2026
The latest comments follow an earlier social media post that fueled speculation among fans.
Earlier this month, Adeyemi shared what appeared to be screenshots of a conversation with actress Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari in the film. In the since-deleted post, Adeyemi appeared to ask Stenberg not to mention her publicly again before blocking further communication.
The exchange quickly circulated online, especially because Stenberg had previously faced criticism from some readers over her casting amid allegations of colorism.
However, Adeyemi has not connected that incident to the experiences she described on set, nor has she clarified the specific events that prompted her latest statement.
A Landmark Adaptation Still Moves Forward
From visionary filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, the world of Orïsha comes to life. Watch the Official Trailer for Children Of Blood And Bone – only in theatres and IMAX January 15, 2027. pic.twitter.com/LCzUYxbLwG
— Children of Blood and Bone (@ChildrenofBandB) July 28, 2026
Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s “Children of Blood and Bone,” the film adapts the bestselling 2018 fantasy novel inspired by West African mythology. The story follows Zélie Adebola as she fights to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha after it was violently taken from her people.
The film features a high-profile ensemble cast led by Thuso Mbedu, alongside Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Ayra Starr, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.
The production also features a soundtrack executive produced by Tems, with Burna Boy serving as executive music consultant. The soundtrack includes new music from Tems as well as contributions from Fireboy DML, BNXN, and Ayra Starr.
Tomi Adeyemi Says She Is Moving On
Although Tomi Adeyemi remains credited as a screenwriter and executive producer on film adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone,” she said she is officially separating herself from the project.
She encouraged readers who want to support her to continue buying her Legacy of Orïsha books through independent bookstores rather than focusing on the film adaptation.
With “Children of Blood and Bone” scheduled to arrive in theaters on January 15, 2027, Adeyemi’s remarks have shifted attention beyond the movie itself, raising questions about the often unseen challenges authors can face during major Hollywood adaptations. Whether additional responses emerge from the filmmakers remains to be seen, but for now, the author says her priority is leaving the experience behind.
Featured image: Sam Pierre for Tomi Adeyemi
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