Lion Forge Entertainment has just announced exciting news: Iyanu, the gripping Nigerian superhero animated series by Roye Okupe, is slated for release across the U.S. and Africa in 2025. Viewers in the U.S. can catch it on Cartoon Network and Max, while audiences in 44 African countries can enjoy it on Showmax.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Yorubaland, Iyanu follows the journey of an orphan who must unravel the secrets of her newfound abilities to save her people from an ancient curse. Adapted from Okupe’s acclaimed graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics (known for hits like The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy), the series promises a thrilling blend of Nigerian culture and mythology.
Leading the charge is an all-African voice cast featuring award-winning Serah Johnson as Iyanu, alongside luminaries such as Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello, each bringing their own unique flair to the characters.
Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy-winning studio behind the Oscar®-winning Hair Love, Iyanu is more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of African storytelling and representation.
Roye Okupe, founder of YouNeek Studios, reflects on the significance of Iyanu’s debut, stating, “One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios was because I literally grew up watching superhero stories on DStv in Lagos, Nigeria,” says Okupe. “So it would be an understatement to say that I’m delighted that Showmax will be introducing Nigerian children to Iyanu, a superhero who looks and sounds like them.”
David Steward II, CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, emphasizes the series’ roots, remarking, “Iyanu is a series that plays to young audiences everywhere in the world, but its heart and roots are in Africa, where it was conceptualised and created by Roye. This is why we’re so proud to announce a deal with Showmax to stream Iyanu in 44 countries throughout Africa. We envision African children being inspired by Iyanu – and a superhero world shaped around their own.”
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice (owner of Showmax), adds, “It’s an exciting time for African animation, which is winning many of the world’s biggest prizes. As the largest producer of African content globally, MultiChoice is delighted that African stories are finally being told largely by Africans, but it’s also time for African audiences to be among the first to see African stories, as a common courtesy. Even today, an Oscar winning film like Nowhere in Africa is available, well, nowhere in Africa. There are numerous examples like that but stories about Africa should be told not just with Africans, but to Africans too.”
With a stellar team including story editor Brandon Easton (known for Transformers: War for Cybertron) and executive producers like David Steward II and Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Iyanu is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and rich cultural tapestry.
Lion Forge Entertainment
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