Paramount Pictures has acquired film rights to Tomi Adeyemi’s YA book series Children of Blood and Bone. The books are based around the protagonist Zélie Adebol’s journey to bring magic back to the kingdom of Orïsha. The first two books of the Children of Blood and Bone book series reached number one on The New York Times best-seller list. Adeyemi will adapt the script herself and will executive produce the project. Back in 2019, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Studios announced the development of the book series, with Rick Famuyiwa directing. Things have changed since then. Media conglomerates Universal, Amazon, and Netflix, were part of the bidding wars. Paramount Pictures ended up on top for the film rights. According to sources, Paramount’s final offer outdid the other by a long shot and included numerous incentives, including a seven-figure screenwriting guarantee as well creative approvals for Adeyemi.
Tomi Adeyemi Blew Critics Away With Her Book Series
The Harvard University graduate became one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020. Tomi Adeyemi is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, making a name for herself. Tomi Adeyemi is a recipient of the Hugo Lodestar Award and Nebula Award. Since Paramount Pictures has won the film rights for Children of Blood and Bone, Adeyemi has expressed her excitement. “Paramount’s passion and enthusiasm to bring this story to life has been incredible,” she said. Global fantasy hits like Game of Thrones and Harry Potter have media companies clamoring for original content that will engage audiences. Luckily Adeyemi has maintained creative rights for the adaptation.
Co-President of Paramount Pictures Motion Group Daria Cercek has expressed pride in winning film rights and working on Adeyemi’s project. Cercek also commented on Children of Blood and Bone, saying: “With its thought-provoking and timely themes, we know that this story will resonate with a global audience.” Hopefully, through Paramount Pictures winning film rights, they do justice to Adeyemi’s work. The third and final book in the Children of Blood and Bone book series will be published in 2023.