‘Children of Blood & Bone’ Author Tomi Adeyemi “Will Not Watch” Film Adaptation: “It’s Been Painful”
Tomi Adeyemi, bestselling author of the 2018 young adult novel 'Children of Blood & Bone', has announced she will not view the Paramount film adaptation directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, scheduled for release in January. Despite having co-written the screenplay adaptation herself, Adeyemi expressed frustration in social media posts, saying the situation has been emotionally difficult and apologising to fans for her absence from public discussion of the project.
The author's reluctance stems from a public conflict with actress Amandla Stenberg, who was cast as Princess Amari. Audiences criticised the casting after noting the character is described in the novel as having dark copper skin, sparking broader conversations about colourism in film casting. Adeyemi sent Stenberg a direct message instructing her not to reference her publicly or make contact, marking a striking reversal of an earlier encounter where Adeyemi had reportedly praised Stenberg's casting as Rue in 'The Hunger Games' and stated it served as inspiration for creating the book series.
- Author Tomi Adeyemi publicly announced she will not watch the film adaptation of her novel 'Children of Blood & Bone' and described remaining silent about it as emotionally painful
- A dispute emerged between Adeyemi and actress Amandla Stenberg, with the author sending Stenberg a message instructing her not to use her name or contact her again
- The conflict centres on casting concerns related to colourism, as Stenberg was cast in a role described in the book as a dark-skinned character