At New York Comic Con, Cartoon Network, Max and Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America, released the first feature trailer for the highly-anticipated series “Iyanu.” In this trailer, viewers are treated to a breathtaking introduction to the series’ captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology. The scene opens in a lush, vibrant landscape, where the main characters, Iyanu and Biyi, find themselves in a heart-pounding moment of peril when tranquility is shattered by the thunderous charge of a wild rhino, a powerful symbol of nature’s raw force. Then, in a stunning display of courage and intuition, Iyanu channels the ancestral wisdom of her heritage, stopping the rhino in its tracks and unveiling her true nature as the chosen one.
The series adapted from the popular graphic novel “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by Roye Okupe published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics set to premiere on Cartoon Network and Max in Spring 2025.
This feature trailer made its debut during the show’s “IYANU: Lion Forge Brings African Fantasy to Cartoon Network” panel at NYCC.
The event brought together key creative members behind the series, including the show’s creator, lead writer, voice director, and episodic director for the first time—a testament to the series’ truly global production spanning four continents. This unprecedented gathering offered attendees rare insights into the intricate process of casting and directing animation and voice actors across the world, providing a glimpse into the making of this global phenomenon.
Panelists from the “Iyanu” series Included:
● Roye Okupe –Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner
● Paula Gammon Wilson – Voice and Casting Director for “Iyanu”
● Darnell Johnson – Episodic Director
● Brandon Easton – Story Editor and Writer
● Karama Horne – Moderator – Lion Forge Integrated Marketing Lead
“Iyanu” will premiere in Spring 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the US, and will stream exclusively on Showmax across 44 African countries. The global distribution of the series reflects its universal appeal, and with the passionate audience at New York Comic Con—known for its love of fantasy, animation, and comics—this unveiling perfectly aligns with the show’s ambition to bring a fresh African fantasy narrative to fans who appreciate imaginative storytelling and diverse content.
ABOUT IYANU SERIES:
“Iyanu” is a superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Drawing deeply from the rich tapestry of Yoruba people, the animated series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she’ll uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.
The talented Nigerian voice cast is led by Serah Johnson as Iyanu and includes:
● 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
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network is one of the most loved global animated networks. Widely seen by fans all over the world as the best in animation, Cartoon Network combines a rich legacy of characters and a deep roster of creatives with unique brands of storytelling. Showcasing original content from across Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, and beyond, Cartoon Network programming includes “Craig of the Creek,” “Teen Titans Go!,” “We Baby Bears,” “Tiny Toons Looniversity,” and “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe.” Cartoon Network’s content commitment appeals to the complete spectrum of kids and families including preschoolers with “Batwheels,” “Bugs Bunny Builders,” and more on Cartoonito, and blockbuster hits on the ultimate family destination, ACME Night.
About Max:
Max® is an enhanced streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery, available in the US and countries in Latin America and Europe. With a personalized user experience that brings unique and unexpected stories ranging from the highest quality in scripted programming, the best of unscripted, and live sports and news (where available), Max is the destination for HBO Originals, Warner Bros. films, Max Originals, the DC universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and best-in-class programming across food, home, reality, lifestyle, and documentaries from leading brands like HGTV, Food Network, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and more, all in one place.
About Lion Forge Entertainment
Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE), one of the only Black-owned animation studios of scale in North America, was founded in 2019 by David Steward II as a platform to amplify authentic, diverse voices in the animation and live action kids & family space. “Diverse Stories, Authentically Told” is the driving motto and mission behind the company.
Currently, LFE is producing and co-financing the highly anticipated animated series Iyanu, for Cartoon Network and Max. Iyanu is an adaptation of the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder created by Roye Okupe and is an epic superhero steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology. Additional Lion Forge projects include franchise adaptations of Sarah Mlynowski’s New York Times’ bestselling tween book series Best Wishes, and a live-action TV series adaptation of coming-of-age fantasy book series Secret Society of Rebel Girls. The company has a first look deal with Nickelodeon for animation; a partnership with Penguin Young Readers to develop animated and live action projects based on selected PYR best-selling books; and a strategic alliance with Dentsu to develop projects for global partners and brands.
Lion Forge previously produced the Academy Award®-winning animated short Hair Love; Annie and Image Award-nominated Rise Up, Sing Out for Disney; Emmy-winning special The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special; Children’s & Family Emmy Award-nominated Rhymes Through Times” short series for Nickelodeon; and Emmy Award-winning short series Drawn In, in partnership with Nine PBS.
With a robust slate of live action and animated projects in development, Lion Forge recently formed its own distribution entity to handle foreign sales for LFE and third-party projects, as well as an in-house franchise and consumer products division to build and maximize franchises.
Lion Forge Entertainment is one of the companies under parent Polarity, also owned by Steward. Polarity includes Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, which publishes more than 60 original graphic novels each year
and owns a deep library of IP. Polarity also owns Magnetic Press and Illustrated Syndicate. Polarity sits alongside the Steward Family holdings which range from music to NASCAR to the NHL and beyond.
Lion Forge Entertainment is represented by Activist Artists Management.
About YouNeek Studios
YouNeek Studios is an award-winning multiplatform entertainment company founded by Roye Okupe. Using graphic novels, animation, video games, and other forms of media, YouNeek focuses on telling extraordinary stories about extraordinary characters inspired by African history, culture, and mythology, with the ultimate goal of empowering African creatives and storytelling across the globe. Visit www.youneekstudios.com
About Impact X Capital
Impact X Capital is a double bottom line VC, founded to support diverse and underrepresented talent in the digital and technology, media, and entertainment space. The Studio’s aim is to increase diversity and inclusion through development of bold and distinctive storytelling with from African diaspora creatives. Our content moves international audiences from appropriation to appreciation while giving agency to creators of color. The founders include Sir Lenny Henry and Tony winning actor Adrian Leicester; author and TV presenter Eric Collins and Executive Producer Erica Dupuis, a former HBO executive. www.impactxcapital.
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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