Tomi Adeyemi Will ‘Never’ Turn Her Books Into Movies Again After ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Set Left Her Sobbing: ‘I Still Don’t Plan to Watch It’

Two months after author Tomi Adeyemi expressed her disdain for the film adaptation of her young adult novel Children Of Blood And Bone, revealing it as "the worst experience I've ever lived through," questions remain about the factors that led to her harsh criticism. Rumors of friction between Adeyemi and lead actress Amandla Stenberg on set, possibly fueled by online backlash against Stenberg's casting, have created a murky picture of events.

However, in an interview published this weekend in The Guardian, Adeyemi remains resolute in her stance against watching the film adaptation. "I still don't plan to watch it, but it's not really for me to watch," she asserts. When probed about her willingness to allow future novels to be adapted, Adeyemi firmly states, "Never." Although the film’s rights were secured before the 2018 publication of Children Of Blood And Bone, it remains unclear whether any follow-up novels' rights have already been acquired.

Regarding the casting controversy, Adeyemi clarifies, "With a film, the director makes every decision. With my book, I have control over every choice, down to commas, as that's entirely in my hands. There's nothing for me to add, other than the clarity that these aren't my choices." Though this response offers scant insight, it's notable that Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film's director, co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi, suggesting some level of collaboration.