Following the much-anticipated announcement made in 2022, “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” is finally poised to make its debut. The US media outlet, Variety, has reported that the animated adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel will be available to African audiences on Showmax, as well as to US viewers on HBO Max and Cartoon Network, all in 2025. The Dark Horse/YouNeek Studios graphic novel series has been greenlit for an animated adaptation by HBO Max and Cartoon Network, financed and overseen by the black-owned animation studio, Lion Forge Animation.

The series has been brought to life by Roye Okupe, the founder of YouNeek Studios, who is set to write and direct multiple episodes. Saxton Moore, the head of production at Lion Forge, will serve as supervising director, while Brandon Easton leads the writers' room. The executive production team comprises Okupe, Doug Schwalbe, Carl Reed, Lion Forge’s David Steward II and Matt Heath, alongside Erica Dupuis from Impact X Capital, and Ryan Haidarian from Forefront Media Group.

“When I embarked on creating ‘Iyanu’ for a global audience, my goal was to forge a world that encapsulates everything I adore about the fantasy genre, intertwined with the majesty and mystique of ancient West Africa,” said Roye Okupe. “Moreover, collaborating with Godwin Akpan, who illustrated the books, as our art director, and partnering with a studio like Lion Forge Animation that prioritises authenticity and diversity is beyond belief.”

“Iyanu: Child of Wonder” is a compelling superhero narrative set in the enchanting kingdom of Yorubaland, drawing richly from Nigerian culture, music, and mythology. The series follows Iyanu, a teenage orphan dedicated to studying Yoruba history and ancient arts, yet yearning for a semblance of normality. When danger strikes, she inadvertently unlocks divine powers that have lain dormant since the legendary Age of Wonders. Armed with her newfound abilities, Iyanu allies with two other teenagers in an extraordinary quest to unearth the malevolent forces threatening her homeland. Along the way, she unravels the mysteries of her past, her parents' identities, and her destiny in a battle to save the world.

“Roye Okupe’s remarkable talent as a creator, writer, and director showcases his commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds,” remarked David Steward II, Founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “His creative vision aligns perfectly with Lion Forge’s mission to deliver diverse, culturally rich narratives that enable children to see themselves reflected on screen. We are honoured to embark on this journey with Roye and to explore the limitless potential of the YouNeek YouNiverse.”

The anticipation for the animated series has surged since the first look was released in 2023, with excitement building following announcements of the voice cast, vibrant cosplays at San Diego Comic-Con, and the unveiling of the opening title sequence. The titular character, Iyanu, will be voiced by Serah Johnson, with supporting characters voiced by Okey Jude, Samuel Kugbiyi, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, and Ononye, among others. Additionally, Grammy Award-winning singer Yemi Alade has been announced as the voice behind the series' theme song.

“‘Iyanu: Child of Wonder’ truly encompasses everything – expansive world-building, authentic characters, a strong African female hero at its heart, and a first-class team of exceptional creators and producers,” said Amy Friedman, head of kids’ and family programming at Warner Bros. “While tailored for children, the series promises to resonate with anyone seeking a captivating adventure filled with surprise, magic, lore, and legend. We are fortunate to be the home of ‘Iyanu’ and to collaborate with such an extraordinary team.”

The graphic novel has garnered several accolades, including the Nommo Award for Best Graphic Novel in 2022 and the Best Female Character Award at the Glyph Comic Awards in 2020. It was also nominated for the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in 2021. These successes have set an elevated stage and heightened expectations for a thrilling animated adaptation. For those unfamiliar with Iyanu's storyline, a synopsis is available here.

Sources: Variety, ShockNG, Cartoon Network, Lion Forge Entertainment, and Warner Bros