'Children of Blood and Bone' Author Left Film Set Sobbing: "I'd Never Watch it"
Tomi Adeyemi took to social media to express her discontent with Paramount's adaptation of the first Legacy of Orïsha book.
Author Tomi Adeyemi publicly criticized the Paramount adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, the first book for her fantasy series Legacy of Orïsha. In a TikTok post, she reaffirmed her stance on distancing herself from the film, saying that the project was "the worst thing" she has "ever had to live through". Check out the full video below.
She had previously expressed no interest in watching the movie adaptation, relating her disappointment to a set visit that left her "hyperventilating and sobbing". After the full trailer was released, Adeyemi took to social media to say that she's "still being antagonized behind the scenes".
“It’s a reality that I have had to live with for about a year and a half, and 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", the author said. "If anything, they have only antagonized me, and I accept that. But I also accept if I don’t say something, I think it’s just going to be worse.”
Adeyemi also stated that she doesn't want to continue speaking on the topic, declaring that she is "trying to move on".
Everything you need to know about Children of Blood and Bone
The adaptation of the first book stars Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Theno Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Amandla Stenberg.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), Children of Blood and Bone is set in the kingdom of Orisha, where Zélie (Thuso Mbedu) must restore the magic stolen from her people. The screenplay was co-written by the director in partnership with the book’s author, Adeyemi.
The film is slated for release on January 15, 2027.
