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Bestselling author disowns film based on her book: 'Never mention my name again!'
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

Bestselling author disowns film based on her book: 'Never mention my name again!'

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Author Tomi Adeyemi is distancing herself from the upcoming film adaptation of her novel "Children of Blood and Bone."
  • Adeyemi cited a message to actress Amandla Stenberg as evidence of her estrangement from the project.
  • The author expressed hurt over behind-the-scenes issues, stating she can no longer be involved due to ongoing personal attacks.

Tomi Adeyemi, the bestselling author of "Children of Blood and Bone," has publicly announced her complete detachment from the upcoming film adaptation of her popular fantasy novel. Adeyemi shared her decision with fans via social media, explaining her recent silence regarding the Paramount Pictures production, which is slated for release on January 15, 2027.

Her announcement included a screenshot of a message allegedly sent to actress Amandla Stenberg, who is cast as Princess Amari. The message read, "Never use my name again in an interview or video. Do not message me. Do not call me." The screenshot, timestamped February 2025, suggests Adeyemi had blocked Stenberg. This appears to stem from Stenberg's past comments addressing controversies surrounding her casting, specifically regarding her skin tone compared to the book's description. Stenberg had previously stated that Adeyemi supported her, even suggesting that the racist backlash Stenberg faced for her role as Rue in "The Hunger Games" inspired Adeyemi's "Children of Blood and Bone" series.

Never use my name again in an interview or video. Do not message me. Do not call me.

โ€” Tomi AdeyemiA message allegedly sent by Adeyemi to actress Amandla Stenberg, shared on social media.

Adeyemi further clarified her position, stating she has not seen the film and will not watch it. She explained her decision to step away was for her own well-being, saying, "I fought for us. I'm just putting down my sword and officially separating my name because I can no longer be hurt and attacked behind the scenes." She reassured fans that they are free to watch the movie, emphasizing her statement was for their collective benefit.

The film adaptation has faced a complex development history. Initially, rights were held by Fox 2000 Pictures, then moved to Lucasfilm after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox. Adeyemi reportedly expressed frustration over the slow progress and lack of creative control, including not being allowed to write the script herself. In 2022, Paramount Pictures acquired the rights, and Adeyemi took on roles as co-writer and executive producer, a move that seemed to promise greater creative input.

I fought for us. I'm just putting down my sword and officially separating my name because I can no longer be hurt and attacked behind the scenes.

โ€” Tomi AdeyemiAdeyemi explained her decision to distance herself from the film project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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