Tomi Adeyemi, author of the fantasy series “Children of Blood and Bone,” posted a video stating she no longer wishes to discuss the film adaptation and is attempting to move past the controversy surrounding it.
Earlier in July, Adeyemi shared a TikTok that displayed Instagram messages urging supporters to purchase any edition of the trilogy at independent children’s bookstores, despite a prior promise not to publicize the adaptation.
Messages dated June 25 reveal a growing dispute between Adeyemi and lead actress Amandla Stenberg, with an earlier exchange from February 28 2025 indicating the conflict has been ongoing for more than a year.
Screenshots released by Adeyemi show she blocked Stenberg, accompanied by a text instructing the actress not to use her name in interviews or videos and a notification confirming the block.
Stenberg previously responded to colourism criticism on TikTok, asserting that Adeyemi had supported her casting and recalling a conversation in which Adeyemi linked the actress’s experiences to the inspiration for the series.
The actress later removed the TikTok video from her account.
The film adaptation is scheduled for theatrical release on January 15 2027, following Paramount’s acquisition of the story in what is considered a major young‑adult publishing deal.
In a 2018 interview, Adeyemi expressed interest in casting Viola Davis, Idris Elba, and John Boyega in key roles, describing them as her preferred choices for the project.
Representatives for Paramount, Adeyemi, and the film’s director have been contacted for comment.
