Children of Blood and Bone author calls movie worst thing ever

The world of epic fantasy is buzzing with anticipation, especially as the first official trailer for Children of Blood and Bone has dropped. Fans have been given a glimpse into this adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s wildly successful novel, but the news that followed has introduced an entirely different kind of drama: the author herself seems to be wrestling with the creative journey behind the scenes.

Amidst the excitement for the visual spectacle, one figure remains conspicuously absent from the celebration. Author Tomi Adeyemi has made it clear that she refuses to watch the film adaptation, a decision that has quickly escalated into a deeply personal statement about the experience of bringing her fictional world to life.

In a candid social media post, Adeyemi offered a raw account of her feelings regarding the project. She described her experience on set as intensely traumatic, stating that the film was “the worst thing I have ever had to live through” and expressing a desire to never hear about the project again.

Adeyemi further elaborated that while she accepts that those involved were aware of the reality she faced, they did not act to improve it. Instead, she felt antagonized. She revealed that she chooses to focus only on the aftermath—the intense physical and emotional toll she endured after leaving the filming location.

She shared that returning home resulted in severe somatic pain and numerous panic attacks, confirming the profound psychological impact of the adaptation process. Despite this suffering, Adeyemi emphasized that the need for reality to be known superseded her desire to speak about her ordeal. She felt it was necessary for people to understand how the film, which she helped create, became such a harrowing experience.

This public declaration has inevitably drawn attention to the relationship between creators and their adaptations. Questions are now swirling about how this conflict impacts the production of Children of Blood and Bone, especially given Adeyemi’s credited role as co-writer.

The film itself promises an ambitious vision, set in the epic fantasy world of Orïsha, where a young woman embarks on a quest to reclaim stolen magic and allies with royalty to combat brutal rule. The project is helmed by director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also co-wrote the script with Adeyemi.

The ensemble cast promises a powerful visual experience, featuring an impressive collection of talent including Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, and Idris Elba. The cinematic event is slated for release in theaters on January 15, 2027.