Cartoon Network and Max have released the first trailer for their upcoming Nigerian superhero series, “Iyanu,” during a panel at New York Comic Con, per deadline.com. The series is set to premiere in Spring 2025.
The trailer begins with a voiceover: “It was foretold by our ancestors that in times of great conflict there will be the Chosen, who will rise to restore harmony to the people and creatures of Yorubaland.” The scene transitions to a vibrant landscape where Iyanu and Biyi face a charging wild rhino. In a dramatic moment, Iyanu channels her ancestral wisdom to stop the rhino, revealing her as the chosen one.
Adapted from the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe, the series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment with support from Cartoon Network and Max. “Iyanu” is set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland and draws heavily from Nigerian culture, music, and mythology. The story follows Iyanu, a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and joins forces with friends Biyi and Toye to combat the evil threatening her homeland.
The all-Nigerian voice cast includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu, Okey Jude as Biyi, Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori, Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Stella Damasus as Sewa, Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother, and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani. Brandon Easton serves as showrunner, with Okupe as executive producer, writer, and director on multiple episodes. Other executive producers include David Steward II, Matt Heath, Erica Dupuis, Ryan Haidarian, and Doug Schwalbe.
“Iyanu” promises to be a groundbreaking series, blending rich cultural elements with superhero action, and is poised to captivate audiences worldwide.
