Cartoon Network, HBO Max, and Lion Forge Entertainment just unveiled the next chapter in the Iyanu universe — and it’s going back to where it all began.
During the “Iyanu’s Journey: The Next Chapter” panel at San Diego Comic-Con, the creative team behind the breakout animated series revealed the official teaser, poster, and stills for the prequel film Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, which is set to premiere Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network and HBO Max.
Set 500 years before the events of the series, the film dives deep into the magical heart of Yorubaland, long before Iyanu’s rise. When Meje — the embodiment of the seven deadly sins — threatens to plunge the land into darkness, two young warriors, Dara and Ishe, embark on a perilous mission to awaken the Divine Ones, legendary beings who once upheld balance in their world.
A Look at the Cast and Crew
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders features an all-African voice cast, including:
- Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother
- Babajide Oyekunle as Joba – The First Father
- Ike Ononye as Ishe
- Sisan Victor-Woko as Dara
- Serah Johnson as Iyanu
- Okey Jude as Biyi
- Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori
The film is co-written by series story editor Brandon Easton and franchise creator Roye Okupe, who also directed the project. Okupe continues to lead the Iyanu franchise as its showrunner.
What’s Next: Season 2 Sneak Peek
The team also gave fans a glimpse at what’s to come in Iyanu Season 2, currently in production and set for release in 2026. With tensions rising and ancient magic reawakening across Yorubaland, Iyanu must confront a powerful new threat that could change everything.
The animated series, adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder, premiered earlier this year on Cartoon Network and is now streaming in full on Max. Since its debut, the show has racked up major milestones:
- Ranked as the #1 Kids Show on Cartoon Network (ages 2–12)
- A Top 10 Kids & Family series on HBO Max
- Premiered across 44 African countries via Showmax, claiming the #1 spot for Kids & Family in under a week
- Expanded globally to ITVX in the UK
The show is executive produced by Roye Okupe, David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, Matt Heath, Erica Dupuis, Ryan Haidarian, and Doug Schwalbe.
Stay tuned for more on Iyanu and watch the official teaser for The Age of Wonders above.