Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from Paramount Pictures’ upcoming adaptation of her bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone, alleging she was repeatedly antagonised behind the scenes during production.
The comments come months before the film’s worldwide release and despite growing anticipation surrounding the adaptation, which features an ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Regina King, Damson Idris, Thuso Mbedu, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Nigerian music star Ayra Starr.
Adeyemi, who wrote the bestselling novel and co-wrote the screenplay for the adaptation, described the project as “the worst thing I have ever had to live through,” saying she left the film’s set “hyperventilating and sobbing” and has no intention of watching or promoting it.
The 32-year-old made the remarks in a five-minute TikTok video posted on Wednesday, alleging that senior figures involved in the production had repeatedly “antagonised” her for more than a year.
The adaptation has been one of Hollywood’s most anticipated fantasy films since Paramount Pictures acquired the rights, with production taking place across Nigeria and South Africa and drawing global attention for its star-studded cast and Yoruba-inspired story.
