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Tomi Adeyemi on the film of her hit novel Children of Blood and Bone: ‘I don’t plan to watch it’
Tomi Adeyemi says the forthcoming film adaptation of her bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone caused severe distress, including panic attacks, and that she does not plan to watch it. The experience has made her determined to reclaim ownership of her work, reflected in her decision to put her own portrait on the cover of her new novel, The Siren.
Adeyemi’s 2018 debut earned a record-breaking seven-figure young-adult deal and topped the New York Times bestseller list, but its success also left her feeling burdened with representing Black writers and readers. The film, featuring stars including Viola Davis, Idris Elba and Amandla Stenberg, is due to premiere in January 2027; Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay but says she will never adapt another book for the screen. The Siren instead follows Emery, a Black student at Dartmouth drawn into a mysterious sorority, and draws on Adeyemi’s own experiences and “inner teen”.
In short
- Adeyemi says making the film was profoundly distressing.
- She does not intend to watch the adaptation.
- Her new novel marks a more personal, independent direction.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Authors have legitimate responsibility for how their stories are presented to audiences, and involvement in adaptation offers a valuable opportunity to protect one's vision and amplify cultural impact. Whilst collaboration can be emotionally demanding, many writers find the effort worthwhile, as it enriches both the film and their creative practice. The chance to shape significant interpretations of one's work represents important creative stewardship.
The case against
An author's wellbeing must take absolute precedence over creative involvement. When adaptation work causes severe psychological distress, stepping back is the responsible choice to protect one's mental health. The film reaches audiences with or without the author's further participation, so continued involvement is discretionary rather than essential. No cultural significance justifies sustained psychological harm to the creator.
Explained simply
Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American author whose 2018 debut novel Children of Blood and Bone became a global bestseller and broke publishing records. The fantasy novel featured a predominantly Black cast and established her as a major voice in contemporary fiction.
A film version of Children of Blood and Bone, featuring actors including Viola Davis, Idris Elba and Amandla Stenberg, is scheduled for release in January 2027. Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay, but the adaptation process has reportedly caused her severe distress, and she has stated she does not intend to watch the finished film.
The commercial success of her debut novel came with an unforeseen burden: pressure to represent Black writers and readers more broadly, which Adeyemi found burdensome. Now, through her new novel The Siren and her refusal to adapt books for film again, she is asserting control over her creative output and personal wellbeing.
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