Cartoon Network and Max has announced an all-Nigerian cast for “Iyanu,” an upcoming superhero animated series inspired by Nigerian culture and mythology. Set for release in 2025, the series features rising actress Serah Johnson in the lead role, with other cast members including Ike Ononye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello.
The show is an adaptation of the graphic novel “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by Nigerian writer Roye Okupe, and will air in the US.Roye Okupe serves as the series’ executive producer, writer, and director of multiple episodes, with Brandon Easton as the head writer and Godwin Akpan as the art director.
The series, which has already been ordered for two seasons totaling 26 episodes, follows a teenage orphan, Iyanu, who discovers her divine powers and embarks on a journey with two other teenagers to uncover the truth about the evil in their homeland and her ultimate destiny.
Executive producers include David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group, and Doug Schwalbe.
Okupe expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with a team that values authenticity and aims to merge fantasy with the richness of ancient West Africa.
Lion Forge Entertainment’s founder and CEO, David Steward II, praised Okupe’s talent and dedication to storytelling. Okupe shared his satisfaction with Lion Forge’s support for his vision, emphasizing the importance of authentically representing Nigerian and African stories.
The rise in Western studios commissioning animated series based on African themes is notable, with Cartoon Network and Disney producing series like “Garbage Boy and Trash Can” and “Iwaju,” respectively.
