Cartoon Network Unveils April 5 Premiere Date for “Iyanu,” Followed by Max Premiere on April 6
Premiere Feature Trailer Also Released for Original Animated Series Created by Award-Winning Nigerian Filmmaker, Roye Okupe and Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment
February [17], 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Cartoon Network and Max announced today
that the highly-anticipated animated series will premiere on Cartoon Network Saturday,
April 5 @ 9:30 AM ET/PT, and the following day on Max. The network and streamer also
released the premiere feature trailer giving audiences another glimpse into the captivating
story based on Nigerian culture and mythology.
Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder—published by
YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (the powerhouse behind The Umbrella
Academy and Hellboy) – the show is helmed by Roye Okupe himself, who was born and
raised in Nigeria and now serves as Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner. The
series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio
in North America.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a
brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history
and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine
powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends
Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of
this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.
“It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning
series to Cartoon Network and Max. This April, we all get to benefit from years of their
effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious
enemies and divine powers,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and
Adult Swim.
Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and Founder David Steward II shared, “We’ve witnessed
the dedication and heart that Roye Okupe and our entire team have poured into this
series, and we’re all excited to see it premiere on Cartoon Network and Max this April.
IYANU represents a major leap forward in our commitment to telling culturally rich stories
that resonate with audiences around the globe and we’re confident audiences will share in
our excitement.”
The talented all-African Iyanu voice cast includes:
• Serah Johnson as Iyanu
• 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
Previously announced streaming partner Showmax has set its launch date for June 13,
when the entire first season of “Iyanu” will be available across 44 African countries.
Recently announced partner ITVX will also stream the series across the United Kingdom
and Republic of Ireland this summer.
The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten
Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek
Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and
Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
Cartoon Network is one of the most loved global animated networks. Widely seen by
fans all over the world as the best in animation, Cartoon Network combines a rich legacy
of characters and a deep roster of creatives with unique brands of storytelling.
Showcasing original content from across Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros.
Animation, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, and beyond, Cartoon Network programming
includes “Craig of the Creek,” “Teen Titans Go!,” “We Baby Bears,” “Tiny Toons
Looniversity,” and “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe.” Cartoon Network’s
content commitment appeals to the complete spectrum of kids and families including
preschoolers with “Batwheels,” “Bugs Bunny Builders,” and more on Cartoonito, and
blockbuster hits on the ultimate family destination, ACME Night.
Max is the premier global streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery that delivers
the most unique and captivating stories, ranging from the highest quality in scripted
programming, movies, documentaries, true crime, adult animation, and live sports and
news (where available). Max is the destination for prestigious entertainment brands such
as HBO, Warner Bros., Max Originals, DC, Harry Potter, as well as iconic shows like
Friends and The Big Bang Theory, all in one place.
About Lion Forge EntertainmentLion Forge Entertainment (LFE), one of the few Black-owned entertainment studios of scale in North America, was founded in 2019 by David Steward II to amplify authentic, diverse voices in both animated and live-action content. With “Diverse Stories,
Authentically Told” as its driving mission, LFE has won an Academy Award for Hair Love
and multiple Emmy® awards. LFE is part of Polarity, a media and sports focused firm
whose portfolio includes publishers Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group and Magnetic Press
within the broader Steward Family holdings which range from technology, sports, and
music among other interests. LFE is led by President and CCO Stephanie Sperber, an
accomplished and award-winning media executive and franchise builder in the kids and
family space.
About YouNeek Studios
YouNeek Studios is an award-winning multiplatform entertainment company founded by
Roye Okupe. Using graphic novels, animation, video games, and other forms of media,
YouNeek focuses on telling extraordinary stories about extraordinary characters inspired
by African history, culture, and mythology, with the ultimate goal of empowering African
creatives and storytelling across the globe. Visit www.youneekstudios.com for more.
About Impact X Capital
Impact X Capital is a double bottom line VC, founded to support diverse and
underrepresented talent in the digital and technology, media, and entertainment space.
The Studio’s aim is to increase diversity and inclusion through development of bold and
distinctive storytelling with from African diaspora creatives. Our content moves
international audiences from appropriation to appreciation while giving agency to creators
of color. The founders include Sir Lenny Henry and Tony winning actor Adrian Leicester;
author and TV presenter Eric Collins and Executive Producer Erica Dupuis, a former HBO
executive. www.impactxcapital.com
