Cartoon Network has announced the animated series Iyanu will premiere on Cartoon Network April 5, and stream the following day on Max. You can watch the official trailer below.
Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the series is helmed by Okupe, who also serves as creator, executive producer and showrunner.
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.
Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil.
“It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning series to Cartoon Network and Max,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. “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.”
“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,” added Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and Founder David Steward II. “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 includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu; Okey Jude as Biyi; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye; Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori; Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo; Stella Damasus as Sewa; Shaffy Bello as Emi; and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani.
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. Partner ITVX will also stream the series across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland this Summer.
The series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, a Black-owned animation studio. Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath executive produce for Lion Forge Entertainment alongside Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group, and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
