Author Tomi Adeyemi Distances Herself from Children of Blood and Bone Movie Adaptation: What Does This Mean for the Legacy of Orïsha Trilogy?
The author of Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi, has distanced herself from the upcoming movie adaptation of her popular novel. The Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, which began with Children of Blood and Bone in 2018, gained immense success and landed on The New York Times Best Seller list for young adult books. The movie adaptation, set to release in January 2027, has been in the works with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and a star-studded cast including Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Regina King, and others.
Adeyemi recently took to her Instagram Story to express her disconnection from the movie adaptation, stating that she will not be posting about it anymore. She shared a screenshot of a group chat where she made it clear that she does not want her name used in interviews or videos related to the film. Despite the progress of the adaptation, Adeyemi revealed that she has not seen the film and has no intention of watching it.
The journey of bringing Children of Blood and Bone to the big screen has faced challenges, including changes in studio ownership and casting controversies. Paramount Pictures eventually acquired the rights to the story in 2022, leading to the start of production in 2025. The film, co-written by Adeyemi and Prince-Bythewood, delves into a romantic fantasy world that explores themes of oppression, racism, and magic restoration in the Orïsha kingdom.
As the release date of Children of Blood and Bone approaches, Adeyemi's decision to distance herself from the movie adaptation has raised questions about the future of the project. Despite the anticipation surrounding the film, the author's stance on the adaptation remains firm, leaving fans curious about the outcome of this highly-anticipated movie.