At New York Comic Con 2024, Cartoon Network, Max, and Lion Forge Entertainment revealed the first full trailer for their highly anticipated animated series, Iyanu, an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel.
The series, based on the popular graphic novel by Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe, offers a rich, visually captivating narrative inspired by Nigerian culture and Yoruba mythology. The trailer introduces fans to Iyanu and her perilous journey, showcasing her extraordinary powers and connection to the ancient forces of her land
A First Look at Iyanu
The Iyanu trailer opens with a breathtaking scene of Iyanu and her friend Biyi encountering the raw force of a charging rhino. As the danger mounts, Iyanu draws upon the ancestral power of her people, stopping the rhino in its tracks and revealing her status as the chosen one destined to protect the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. This moment highlights the series’ stunning animation and deep ties to Nigerian mythology.
Watch below.
A Collaborative Effort Across Continents
During NYCC, the panel titled “IYANU: Lion Forge Brings African Fantasy to Cartoon Network” brought together key creative figures involved in the series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the global production process. Panelists included:
- Roye Okupe – Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner
- Paula Gammon Wilson – Voice and Casting Director
- Darnell Johnson – Episodic Director
- Brandon Easton – Story Editor and Writer
- Karama Horne – Moderator and Lion Forge Integrated Marketing Lead
This session provided rare insights into the challenges and creativity involved in directing voice actors and animating across multiple continents, making Iyanu a truly international effort.
Global Release in 2025
Iyanu is set to premiere in Spring 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the United States, with exclusive streaming on Showmax in 44 African countries. This broad distribution underscores the universal appeal of the series and its ambition to bring African fantasy to a global audience.
What is Iyanu about?
The official description offers:
“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.
Talented Nigerian Voice Cast
The series features a talented Nigerian voice cast led by Serah Johnson as Iyanu. The cast also includes:
- Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s adventurous friend
- Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, the intellectual 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
Watch the Iyanu sneak peek clip:
