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.
WHO:
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
WHEN: October 19th, 2024 12:30 PM EST
WHERE: New York Comic Con, Jacob Javits Center
WHY:
“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