Prepare to meet a new toon superhero! The animated action-adventure series Iyanu will officially premiere on Cartoon Network on Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT, and the following day on Max. The network and streamer also released the premiere feature trailer, giving audiences another glimpse into the captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology.
The series is adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder — published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (The Umbrella Academy, Hellboy). Okupe, who was born and raised in Nigeria, and serves as creator, executive producer and showrunner. Iyanu is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America.
Synopsis: Drawing on Nigerian culture, music and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life — until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.
“It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning series to Cartoon Network and Max. This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious enemies and divine powers,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.
Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and Founder David Steward II shared, “We’ve witnessed the dedication and heart that Roye Okupe and our entire team have poured into this series, and we’re all excited to see it premiere on Cartoon Network and Max this April. Iyanu represents a major leap forward in our commitment to telling culturally rich stories that resonate with audiences around the globe and we’re confident audiences will share in our excitement.”
The all-African voice cast for Iyanu includes:
- Serah Johnson as Iyanu
- Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend
- Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori
- Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye’s father
- Stella Damasus as Sewa
- Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother
- Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani
Previously announced streaming partner Showmax has set its launch date for June 13, when the entire first season of Iyanu will be available across 44 African countries. Recently announced partner ITVX will also stream the series across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland this summer.
The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
