There’s a new hero on the horizon — and this one’s rooted in the rich traditions of West Africa.
Iyanu, the highly anticipated animated series adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder, is officially set to premiere Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network, with episodes streaming on Max starting Sunday, April 6.
And with the release of the premiere trailer, audiences are getting a vivid glimpse into a world where Nigerian culture, music, and mythology are the foundation — not just the backdrop.
The story follows Iyanu (voiced by Serah Johnson), a brave orphan growing up in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, who unknowingly holds divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. While studying ancient arts and history, Iyanu dreams of a normal life — until a dark force threatens her world, awakening something powerful within her. Joined by her friends Biyi (Okey Jude), a carefree adventurer, Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi), a quiet bookworm, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu embarks on a quest to uncover her destiny and save her kingdom.
The all-African voice cast also includes:
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori
- Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo
- Stella Damasus as Sewa
- Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother
- Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani
A Story Born from the Continent
Created by Nigerian-born Roye Okupe, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer, Iyanu brings his celebrated comic book series to the screen with backing from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics — the same publisher behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy.
Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, one of North America’s leading Black-owned animation studios, the series blends African mythology, modern animation, and classic hero’s journey storytelling in a way that feels both familiar and entirely fresh.
“This has been a true hero’s journey for Roye and the team,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. “This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they’ve created — full of magic, mysterious enemies, and divine powers.”
David Steward II, CEO and Founder of Lion Forge Entertainment, added: “We’ve seen the heart and passion Roye and our entire team have poured into this project. Iyanu is a major step forward in telling culturally rich stories that connect with audiences across the globe.”
Global Reach, African Legacy
In addition to its U.S. debut, the series will stream across 44 African countries on Showmax beginning June 13, with a UK and Ireland release via ITVX set for this summer — further expanding the reach of its celebration of Yoruba culture and heritage.
Executive producers on the project include Okupe, Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, Matt Heath, Erica Dupuis (Impact X Capital), Ryan Haidarian (Forefront Media Group), and Doug Schwalbe (Superprod).
With Iyanu, African mythology takes center stage in a way we rarely see in mainstream animation — and this is just the beginning. Whether you’re tuning in for the adventure, the representation, or to support an entire team pushing boundaries in animation, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Catch Iyanu beginning April 5 on Cartoon Network and streaming on Max starting April 6.