Tomi Adeyemi is at it again. Twenty-four hours after the first trailer for “Children of Blood and Bone” hit online, the author behind the bestselling novel and co-writer, not to mention executive producer, of the film has once again returned to social media to vent her frustration over the adaptation.
Adeyemi has decided to further distance herself from the film, reigniting questions about the production. She previously stated that she would not promote the adaptation, despite her involvement in bringing the project to the screen.
She is now calling the making of the film “the worst thing I have ever had to live through” in a five-minute video posted on social media. The author said she left the production set “hyperventilating and sobbing” and has not been able to bring herself to watch the finished film.
Furthermore, she claims the issues surrounding the production have been ongoing for roughly a year and a half, adding that people involved with the project at the highest levels were aware of her concerns but did not take action to improve the situation. She said she continued to feel “antagonized behind the scenes” and decided to speak publicly because remaining silent had become more painful.
“I never want to hear about this project again,” Adeyemi said, adding that she had hoped to keep the matter private but felt compelled to share her experience as the film entered its marketing campaign. She emphasized that she was not discussing everything she endured during the making of the adaptation, but specifically what happened after she left the set and the emotional toll it took on her.
Earlier this month, Adeyemi posted — and later deleted — what appeared to be a private exchange involving actor Amandla Stenberg, who plays Princess Amari, telling her not to mention Adeyemi’s name publicly or contact her.
Adeyemi has not detailed what specifically happened on set, and why she has decided to step away remains the biggest mystery. It’s possible the filmmakers significantly altered her script. The production also underwent reshoots earlier this year, which has only fueled further speculation.
I imagine leaks will begin emerging in the coming weeks and months about what actually happened.
“Children of Blood and Bone,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, stars Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Viola Davis. Paramount has scheduled the film for a January 15, 2027 release — a month often viewed as a studio dumping ground.
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