Cartoon Network Unveils April 5 Premiere Date for “Iyanu,” Followed by Max Premiere on April 6
Today Cartoon Network and Max announced that the highly-anticipated animated series will premiere on Cartoon Network Saturday, April 5 @ 9:30 AM ET/PT, and the following day on Max. Iyanu is an animated series created by Lion Forge Entertainment – where diverse stories are authentically told – is coming soon to Cartoon Network and Max. The series is adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder—published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (the powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy).
The network and streamer also released the premiere feature trailer (below) giving audiences another glimpse into the captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology. The show is helmed by Roye Okupe himself, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now serves as Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America.
Where to Watch and who is behind the Series?
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. Following its Cartoon Network debut the series will premiere on MAX, the premier global streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery that delivers the most unique and captivating stories, ranging from the highest quality in scripted programming, movies, documentaries, true crime, adult animation, and live sports and news (where available).
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.
Who created the Upcoming Series?
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.”
Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE), one of the few Black-owned entertainment studios of scale in North America, was founded in 2019 by David Steward II to amplify authentic,
diverse voices in both animated and live-action content. With “Diverse Stories,
Authentically Told” as its driving mission, LFE has won an Academy Award for Hair Love
and multiple Emmy® awards. LFE is part of Polarity, a media and sports focused firm whose portfolio includes publishers Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group and Magnetic Press
within the broader Steward Family holdings which range from technology, sports, and music among other interests. LFE is led by President and CCO Stephanie Sperber, an
accomplished and award-winning media executive and franchise builder in the kids and family space.
YouNeek Studios is an award-winning multi-platform 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 for more.
Who are the Voices Behind Iyanu?
The talented all-African Iyanu voice cast includes:
Serah Johnson as Iran
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
IYANU Official Series Trailer
Iyanu is an animated series created by Lion Forge Entertainment, coming to Cartoon Network and Max on April 5th. The series is based on the graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios.
Catch the creator’s discuss the upcoming series at this past San Diego Comic Con
Interview with ‘IYANU’ Animated Series Creators (MAX/Cartoon Network) Lion Forge Entertainment | San Diego Comic Con 2024 at @ComicCon @StreamOnMax @Iyanutheseries @youneek @darkhorsecomics
Iyanu is an animated series created by Lion Forge Entertainment, coming soon to Cartoon Network and Max. The series is based on the graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios.
Roye Okupe Founder YouNeek Studios, Creator: Iyanu: Child of Wonder Graphic Novel, Creator Iyanu animated series IYANU Story Editor – Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron) IYANU Writer- Kerri Grant – (Emmy winning Showrunner of Ada Twist Scientist)
IYANU Supervising Director – Vincent Edwards (Spider-Man)
At San Diego Comic Con on July 28th Cartoon Network and Max released a first-look clip of the highly-anticipated series “Iyanu,” the epic superhero animated-series steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology, showcasing for the first time a glimpse at the series set to captivate audiences with its magical storytelling and breathtaking visuals. A Lion Forge Entertainment production, “Iyanu” is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe.
🏹 Follow IYANU Social Media: / iyanuseries / iyanuseries / iyanuseries
Gotham Geek Girl 