Viola Davis’ fantasy movie has faced a troubled journey. Author Tomi Adeyemi has now shared fresh details about her experience with Children of Blood and Bone. She previously discussed the production in a five-minute TikTok video in July.
In the clip, Adeyemi called the adaptation process “the worst thing I have ever had to live through.” She said she left the set “hyperventilating and sobbing” and later experienced severe physical pain and panic attacks.
Now, in an interview with The Guardian, the author said that she felt speaking publicly was necessary for her to move forward. She stated, “I understood that if I didn’t speak up, I couldn’t move forward. I can’t really worry about the response, because I don’t have to live with how people respond to me – I have to live with me, every day.”
However, she did not disclose what specifically happened during the filming. She added, “I won’t go into the specifics. [But] the whole journey of the trilogy and the adaptation felt biblical … It took all of me.”
Adeyemi also clarified that she does not want to repeat the experience. When asked if she would adapt another one of her books for the screen, she answered, “Never.” She also shared that she still does not plan to watch the upcoming film, saying that it is “not really for me to watch.”
What else do we know about Children of Blood and Bone with Viola Davis?
Children of Blood and Bone is based on Adeyemi’s 2018 fantasy novel. Gina Prince-Bythewood directed the film and co-wrote its screenplay with Adeyemi.
The story follows Zélie, who fights to restore magic to Orïsha. Viola Davis plays Mama Agba, alongside Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Regina King, Idris Elba, and Cynthia Erivo.
The casting of Stenberg as Princess Amari has also sparked discussion about colorism. Adeyemi declined to address those casting decisions, pointing to the director’s role in making them.
Paramount Pictures has scheduled Children of Blood and Bone for release on January 15, 2027.