Children of Blood and Bone author reveals rift with Amandla Stenberg… and refuses to watch film adaptation

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By CASSIE CARPENTER, US SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Published: 23:58 EDT, 5 July 2026 | Updated: 23:59 EDT, 5 July 2026

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Children of Blood and Bone author Tomi Adeyemi has distanced herself from Paramount Pictures’ big-screen adaptation of her 2018 debut novel, and revealed a rift with one of the stars, Amandla Stenberg.

The 32-year-old Harvard grad reportedly earned seven figures selling the rights to the first book of her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy in 2017, and signed on to executive produce and co-write the upcoming film with director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Adeyemi even took her 118,800 TikTok followers behind the scenes on the Children of Blood and Bone set where she had make-up applied to make a cameo in the movie already scheduled to hit US theaters January 15.

‘There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all,’ the NY Times-bestselling author posted on TikTok Saturday.

‘And lastly since someone asked – I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it. It’s been painful holding this back from you all…And I’m sorry if any of you thought I didn’t care about US. More than any glitter.’

Adeyemi also posted a screengrab of a February 28, 2025 text exchange with Stenberg, who allegedly wrote: ‘My only hope was to reconnect as human beings.’

Children of Blood and Bone author Tomi Adeyemi (L) has distanced herself from Paramount Pictures’ big-screen adaptation of her 2018 debut novel, and revealed a rift with one of the stars, Amandla Stenberg (R)

The 32-year-old Harvard grad reportedly earned seven figures selling the rights to the first book of her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy in 2017, and signed on to executive produce and co-write the upcoming film with director Gina Prince-Bythewood

‘Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again,’ the Nigerian-American writer responded before blocking the contact.

‘Do not text me. Do not call me.’

The 27-year-old Hunger Games alum portrays the strong-willed and compassionate Princess Amari in the fantasy flick alongside Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole and Damson Idris.

Children of Blood and Bone will also feature Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King and Lashana Lynch.

The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Paramount Pictures, Adeyemi and Stenberg but did not immediately hear back.

Last year, the Acolyte actress told Blavity that she had an emotional first meeting with the Chicago-born New York novelist.

Stenberg said: ‘[Tomi] goes, “Amandla, I want you to know that when you were a little girl and were cast as Rue in The Hunger Games, and you had these racist remarks thrown at you because people said that Rue’s death wouldn’t be as sad because you’re a Black girl…

‘”That inspired me to write this series, so that Black girls like you and Black girls of all shades could have a story written about them.” We just started crying, and I said to myself, “God wants me here!”‘

Adeyemi even took her 118,800 TikTok followers behind the scenes on the Children of Blood and Bone set where she had make-up applied to make a cameo in the movie already scheduled to hit US theaters January 15

‘There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all,’ the NY Times-bestselling author posted on TikTok Saturday

She continued: ‘And lastly since someone asked – I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it. It’s been painful holding this back from you all…And I’m sorry if any of you thought I didn’t care about US. More than any glitter’

Adeyemi also posted a screengrab of a February 28, 2025 text exchange with Stenberg, who allegedly wrote: ‘My only hope was to reconnect as human beings’

‘Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again,’ the Nigerian-American writer responded before blocking the contact. ‘Do not text me. Do not call me’

The 27-year-old Hunger Games alum (L) portrays the strong-willed and compassionate Princess Amari in the fantasy flick alongside Thuso Mbedu (center), Tosin Cole (top) and Damson Idris (R)

But first, audiences can catch the LA native in Travis Knight’s stop-motion animated fantasy Wildwood – hitting US/UK theaters October 23 – alongside Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Richard E. Grant and Angela Bassett.

Stenberg first made headlines in 2015 by attending high school prom with Will Jada Pinkett Smith’s nepo son Jaden, who famously wore a dress.

Meanwhile, Henry Holt and Co. will publish Adeyemi’s next 336-page novel The Siren on September 29.

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Article source: https://www.dailymail.com/tvshowbiz/article-15955343/Children-Blood-Bone-author-reveals-rift-Amandla-Stenberg-refuses-watch-film-adaptation.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490