Overview
- This weekend Tomi Adeyemi said she will not post about, promote or watch the Paramount adaptation and shared screenshots explaining she is “separating” her name from the film.
- Adeyemi remains credited as a co-writer of the screenplay and an executive producer while the film is still scheduled to open on January 15, 2027.
- She posted a screenshot of a direct message she says she sent to Amandla Stenberg that reads, “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again,” and reporting indicates that message is dated in late February.
- Industry reports note the production completed reshoots earlier this year and that first footage shown at CinemaCon drew a muted response, while neither Paramount nor Stenberg had issued a public reply to Adeyemi’s posts.
- The dispute revives earlier public debates about casting and colorism around this West African–inspired YA story and could affect marketing, fan trust and wider conversations about author influence on major-studio adaptations.