Tomi Adeyemi Won’t Watch Her Own Movie—Here’s Why

The bestselling author says years of behind-the-scenes drama have forced her to step away from the Paramount Pictures adaptation, despite her producer and screenwriting credits.

Tomi Adeyemi isn’t planning to catch the upcoming film adaptation of her hit novel ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ when it hits theaters in 2027—and she’s being surprisingly candid about why.

The author took to TikTok this week to explain her noticeable absence from the film’s promotional push, opening up about the painful conflicts that have unfolded behind the scenes. Despite holding both executive producer and co-screenwriter credits on the Paramount Pictures project, Adeyemi says the experience has taken too much of a toll.

“Since someone asked, I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it,” she wrote in her message to fans. “It’s been painful holding this back from you all.”

The author shared screenshots that hint at the tensions that have plagued the production. In one message, she simply stated: “There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all.”

Another screenshot appeared to show Adeyemi sending a direct message to actress Amandla Stenberg in February 2025, asking her not to mention the author’s name in future interviews or videos about the film.

Despite walking away, Adeyemi was quick to clarify that she’s not trying to tank the movie. In response to concerned fans, she explained: “I do not mind anyone going to watch the film. I wrote this for us. I fought for us. I’m just laying down my sword and officially separating my name because I can’t keep being hurt and attacked behind the scenes.”

Her candid confession has sparked widespread discussion online, with many fans expressing disappointment that the creator has disconnected from her own story’s big-screen adaptation.

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood is helming the adaptation, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast: Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Viola Davis.

The film, based on Adeyemi’s 2018 bestseller, tells the story of a young woman working to restore magic in the African-inspired world of Orïsha. The project was originally in development at Lucasfilm before moving to Paramount in 2022.

‘Children of Blood and Bone’ is scheduled to premiere on January 15, 2027.