Complete Timeline of the Children of Blood and Bone Movie Adaptation

Here is the complete timeline.

2017: The Record-Breaking Deal

Before the novel was even published, publishing rights to Children of Blood and Bone sold to Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. 

Simultaneously, film rights sold to Fox 2000 Pictures — reported at the time as one of the largest debut YA publishing deals ever, with both deals in seven-figure territory.

Tomi Adeyemi was attached to write the screenplay from the outset, an unusual level of author involvement that suggested Fox intended to build the adaptation around her creative vision.

March 2018: Publication and Immediate Success

Children of Blood and Bone publishes on March 6, 2018, and debuts at number one on the New York Times bestseller list. 

The cultural conversation around the novel immediately heightens the profile of the film project.

2019–2022: Development Limbo and Studio Transition

The project spent several years in development — a standard, if frustrating, phase of Hollywood adaptation. 

Fox 2000 Pictures was shut down by Disney in 2019 following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox. 

Projects in development at Fox 2000 were shuffled, and Children of Blood and Bone eventually made its way to Paramount Pictures, which acquired the rights and committed to a theatrical release.

December 2023: Gina Prince-Bythewood Hired to Direct

Paramount hired Gina Prince-Bythewood in December 2023 to direct the film. Prince-Bythewood — whose previous credits included The Old Guard (2020) and The Woman King (2022) — brought immediate credibility to the project. The announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm.

2024: Casting Announcements and Controversy

Major casting was announced across 2024. The confirmation of Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari generated significant fan backlash over colorism — Amari is described as dark-skinned in the novel, and some fans argued that the casting of a lighter-skinned biracial actress misrepresented the character.

Other major castings — Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, Damson Idris as Prince Inan, Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran, Viola Davis as Mama Agba, Idris Elba as Lekan, Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea, and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke — were confirmed across this period.

February 2025: Principal Photography Begins in Lagos

Filming began in Lagos, Nigeria, in February 2025. The decision to shoot in Lagos rather than constructing sets elsewhere was considered a signal of Prince-Bythewood's commitment to visual authenticity.

June 2, 2025: Filming Wraps

Principal photography completed on June 2, 2025. Prince-Bythewood confirmed the wrap via Instagram. Post-production — editing, visual effects, score recording — proceeded through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.

July 4, 2026: Tomi Adeyemi Distances Herself

In a TikTok post on July 4, 2026, Tomi Adeyemi publicly separated her name from the film, stating she had been hurt and attacked behind the scenes. 

She announced she would not watch or promote the adaptation. Paramount Pictures did not publicly respond.

January 15, 2027: Theatrical Release

Children of Blood and Bone opens globally in theatres and IMAX on January 15, 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Fox 2000 lose the Children of Blood and Bone rights?

Fox 2000 Pictures was shut down by Disney after the 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Projects in development were redistributed, and Children of Blood and Bone ultimately landed at Paramount Pictures.

When did filming start and end?

Principal photography began in Lagos in February 2025 and wrapped June 2, 2025.