"Iyanu"
Lion Forge Entertainment has closed a deal with ITVX to stream the epic fantasy superhero animated series "Iyanu", based on Nigerian mythology. ITVX has acquired exclusive VOD (including AVOD) rights for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and non-exclusive rights for the Republic of Ireland, and the series is set to launch in the Summer in the UK.
"Iyanu" is set to launch this Spring with 26, twenty-two-minute episodes. U.S. viewers can watch the series on Cartoon Network and Max, while Lion Forge has previously secured a deal with Showmax to stream the show in 44 countries throughout Africa.
Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series "Iyanu: Child of Wonder", the show is helmed by Okupe himself, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now serves as Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner. Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a 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.
Award-winner Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as "Iyanu", alongside a lineup of Nollywood talent, including African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner and Vogue US cover star Adesua Etomi-Wellington, three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award-winner Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello from "The Black Book."
Story editor Brandon Easton ("Transformers: War for Cybertron") headed the Iyanu writers' room, which also featured Emmy winner Kerri Grant ("Doc McStuffins").
Lion Forge Entertainment Founder and CEO David Steward II says, “We’re so proud to have ITVX as the home for 'Iyanu' across the U.K. ITV are amazing partners and fully recognize the potential of the Iyanu franchise and we have a shared vision for success. We're excited for the series to premiere in the UK this summer and know 'Iyanu' will resonate and inspire audiences in the UK and around the world.”
Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager: Films & Kids at ITV, said: ‘We are very pleased to be bringing the wonderful 'Iyanu' to the UK. Our ITVX viewers are in for a treat.”