HBO Max and Cartoon Network unveil an all-Nigerian Cast for Iyanu animated series

In the summer of 2022, HBO Max and Cartoon Network announced that they will be working on a 2D adaptation of “Iyanu: Child of Wonder”; a graphic novel series owned by Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios, and written by Nigerian author and filmmaker, Roye Okupe, founder of YouNeek Studios. The project will be financed by black-owned Lion Forge Animation.

This week, HBO Max and Cartoon Network announced an all-Nigerian cast for Iyanu.

“Iyanu” is a superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. The series follows Iyanu, a teenage orphan who spends her days studying Yoruba 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 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.

In a time where Disney and Disney+ has backed African and Nigerian animation series projects, such as Kizazi Moto and IWÁJÚ, having HBO Max and Cartoon Network back a West African animated series like Iyanu is a welcome development. It is a sign that the global animation world and top players in the SVOD content industry have now fully and readily fixed its attention on the rich stories that various cultures across Africa have to offer. What a time to be a creative in Africa!

Roye Okupe will also serve as the executive producer, writer and director of some of the episodes. He will be joined by renowned Nigerian concept artist and illustrator Godwin Akpan, as the art director. He is also the illustrator of the Iyanu books as well. 

Other executive producers are Doug Schwalbe, Carl Reed, David Stewart II and Matt Heath (Lion Forge), Erica Dupuis (Impact X), Ryan Haidarian (Forefront Media Group). Brandon Easton will lead the writers room.

Iyanu will run for two seasons with a total of 26 episodes. It will air on HBO Max and Cartoon Network on a yet to be announced date in 2025.