Iyanu: Release date news, cast details, streaming details, and more

The eagerly awaited animated series, Iyanu, is scheduled to premiere on Cartoon Network on April 5, 2025. Mas has confirmed that the next day, April 6, it will be available on their streaming service.

For those outside the U.S., Showmax will release the entire first season in 44 African countries from June 13. In the UK and Ireland, fans can watch it on ITVX this summer. Based on Roye Okupe's graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, this 2D-animated adventure is rich in Nigerian mythology and culture.

It tells the story of this brave orphan girl, who finds out about her special powers while uncovering a dangerous ancient secret, so read on!

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The plot of Iyanu is inspired by Nigerian mythology

Iyanu is a story about growing up and discovering your true potential, wrapped in a fantasy adventure. The tale unfolds in Yorubaland, a place where magic meets old customs. The main character, Iyanu, is an orphan who prefers studying history and the arts to thinking about her future.

Her life changes when a mysterious power puts her world in danger. This power is something people have only heard of in ancient tales from the Age of Wonders. Now it's part of her. Suddenly, she has divine abilities she never knew she had.

With these powers, the lead goes on a journey with her friends Biyi and Toye. They're accompanied by Ekun, a magical leopard. Together, they aim to find out where the dark force is coming from and stop it. It will lead Iyanu to her destiny.

Lion Forge Entertainment CEO David Steward II said:

“Iyanu represents a major leap forward in our commitment to telling culturally rich stories that resonate with audiences around the globe.”

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The creative team behind Iyanu

This show's biggest strength is its creative team. Roye Okupe, the original creator, is the showrunner and executive producer. His graphic novel got a lot of praise for mixing African folklore with Western storytelling. This novel was published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, per Animation World Network.

The show is supported by Lion Forge Entertainment, a top Black-owned animation studio in North America. Other big names helping out are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, and Matt Heath from Lion Forge.

They're all working as executive producers. More help comes from Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group, and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod, who are also part of the main team.

Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, is excited about the series and said:

“This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious enemies, and divine powers.”

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Iyanu’s voice cast is all-African

This animated series stands out for its authentic all-African voice cast. This helps make the characters more real and culturally rich. The main character is brought to life by Serah Johnson. Her closest pals, Biyi and Toye, are voiced by Okey Jude and Samuel Kugbiyi, respectively.

Other notable actors include Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori, Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Stella Damasus as Sewa, and Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother. Ike Ononye lends his voice to Elder Alapani.

The show's creators, Lion Forge, have shown they care about authenticity by casting well and including a lot of Nigerian culture. You can hear it in the music, the stories they tell, and the traditions that are part of the show. They want it to be enjoyable for young people and those who know West African myths.

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