First footage from the animated Nigerian superhero series

Cartoon Network and Max have released the first trailer for the upcoming Nigerian superhero series Iyanu. The trailer was released today during the show’s panel at New York Comic Con. Iyanu will premiere on Cartoon Network and Max in spring 2025.

The trailer begins with a voiceover: “Our ancestors have predicted that in times of great conflict, there will be the chosen ones who will rise up to restore harmony among the people and creatures of Yorubaland.”

The video then transitions to a lush, vibrant landscape where the main characters Iyanu and Biyi find themselves in a heartbreaking moment of danger as the calm is shattered by the thunderous attack of a ferocious rhino, a powerful symbol of nature’s raw power . Then, in a breathtaking display of courage and intuition, Iyanu channels the wisdom of her ancestors, stopping the rhino and revealing her true nature as the Chosen One.

The groundbreaking series is an adaptation of the popular graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios Iyanu: Child of Miracles by award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and filmmaker Roye Okupe. It is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment with support from Cartoon Network and Max.

Iyanu is a superhero story set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland and inspired by Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Drawing deep inspiration from the Yoruba people, the animated series follows an orphaned teenage girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but longs for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly uses divine powers not seen since the Age of Miracles. With newfound superpowers, Iyanu teams up with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, to embark on an extraordinary journey to discover the truth about the evil that lurks in their homeland. During her adventure, she will uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.

The all-Nigerian voice cast is led by Serah Johnson as Iyanu, along with Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion; Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori; Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye’s father; Stella Damasus as Sewa; Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani.

Brandon Easton (Transformers: War For Cybertron: Seige, Marvel’s Agent Carter), serves as showrunner, Roye Okupe serves as executive producer, writer and director of several episodes. Additional executive producers include David Steward II and Matt Heath of Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe.