IYANU set to debut on Cartoon Network in Spring 2025

Written by Allen Macaraeg

Published on October 20, 2024

NEW YORK CITY, NY—

IYANU is an upcoming animated series from Lion Forge Entertainment, adapted from the graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by Roye Okupe. 

Lion Forge is most widely known for their executive production of the academy award winning short “Hair Love” which established their reputation for bringing authentic representation to the screen. 

Moderated by writer, journalist and podcaster Karama Horne, the Comic Con panel included an exclusive showing of the series as a whole.

Roye Okupe serves as the showrunner and the executive producer behind the West African fantasy series and formally announced its Cartoon Network debut set for Spring 2025. 

Based heavily on Okupe’s Yoruba culture, IYANU follows the character Iyanu, a young girl who loses her memories and then discovers that she has magical powers that rival the abilities of the gods. 

The series itself is particularly unique in the world of American animation, as all of the voice actors are of African descent. Paula Gammon Wilson, the voice casting director, described her tireless work to find voice actors that fit Okupe’s particular vision: one that authentically represents West Africa.

Brandon Easton, the story editor for IYANU, also emphasized how pivotal collaboration was for this series especially in the writer’s room.

 

Featured image by Allen Macaraeg