Created by Roye Okupe, founder of YouNeek Studios, the show will be available on Showmax in 44 African countries and on Cartoon Network and Max in the U.S. in 2025.
Set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, the story follows an orphan who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound power to save her people from an ancient curse.
The all-Nigerian voice cast includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu, along with Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello.
It’s produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the company behind the Oscar-winning short “Hair Love.” Okupe said: “One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios was because I literally grew up watching superhero stories on DStv in Lagos, Nigeria. So it would be an understatement to say that I’m delighted that Showmax will be introducing Nigerian children to Iyanu, a superhero who looks and sounds like them.”
The series is adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” published by Dark Horse Comics, known for titles like “The Umbrella Academy” and “Hellboy.”