Lion Forge Entertainment’s animated superhero series Iyanu will debut July 3 on ITVX for U.K. and Northern Ireland audiences, with all 10 episodes of Season 1 available at launch. The series launched in the U.S. in April, ranking as the No. 1 kids’ series on Cartoon Network and a Top 10 Kids & Family series on Max and earning greenlights for a second season and two feature films.
“Iyanu has already captured the imagination of audiences in the U.S., and we’re excited to build on that momentum with ITVX,” said Lion Forge Entertainment Founder and CEO David Steward II. “This premiere marks a major step in the franchise’s global journey and ITV has been an incredible partner in helping us bring this culturally rich, action-packed story to even more viewers. We’re confident Iyanu will connect deeply with U.K. audiences looking for bold, original storytelling.”
Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager: Films & Kids, added, “Iyanu will make a wonderful addition to ITVX. It’s a powerful series which we’re sure will capture audiences both young and old.”
The 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.
Iyanu is adapted from creator Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy-winning company behind Oscar-winning short Hair Love, produces the series.
“Iyanu is a story deeply rooted in Yoruba history, culture and mythology — and that cultural authenticity is something we’re incredibly proud of. But as I always say, Iyanu is for everyone: kids, adults, and families from all walks of life,” said Okupe, who serves as series creator, exec producer and showrunner. “That’s why I’m so excited about this partnership with ITVX. I can’t wait for audiences in the U.K. to experience the magic and wonder of Iyanu, a series that’s already capturing hearts around the world.”
Award-winning Nigerian actress Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as Iyanu, alongside award-winning Nollywood stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Shaffy Bello from Netflix hit The Black Book.
Story editor Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron; Marvel’s Agent Carter) headed the Iyanu writers’ room, which also featured Emmy winner Kerri Grant (Doc McStuffins; Ada Twist, Scientist).
Iyanu is executive produced by David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath of Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
Iyanu makes its U.K. debut on ITVX July 3, following its launch on Showmax across 44 African countries from June 13.
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