Iyanu, an animated series based on Nigerian Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series ‘Iyanu: Child of Wonder’, is returning for a second season on March 21 on Cartoon Network and on March 22 on HBO Max.
The first season, a limited series created by Youneek Studios/Dark Horse Comics and produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, followed a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.
Season 2 (10 episodes) sees the protagonist’s power deepen as the weight of leadership intensifies.
Okupe describes the second season as “the most rewarding creative experience of his career”, noting that he is thrilled to partner once again with Lion Forge to bring the project to life.
Returning voice casts include Serah Johnson as Iyanu, Okey Jude as Biyi, and Sam Kugbiyi as Toye. Joining the old cast are Faith Gesiere Agua as Queen Adura and David Onwubalili as Boju.
Executive producers of Iyanu include David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment. There are also Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod. Okupe is the creator, executive producer and showrunner.
Steward said, “Iyanu has proven to be a standout series, and we are thrilled to continue that journey with Season 2. This next chapter raises the stakes in every way, from the scale of the story to the depth of its characters. We’re confident viewers will be drawn even deeper into this world as Iyanu’s adventure expands with bold storytelling and powerful new challenges.”
The series won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Children’s Programme, and Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special for ‘Iyanu: The Age of Wonders’. Most recently, it won the MIPAfrica Inclusive Lens Award in the Older Kids category. At the same time, Afropop star Yemi Alade received the AFRIMA Award for Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song
‘You Are the opening theme Iyanu.
A new feature film, ‘Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes’, debuted recently at the Pan-African Film & Arts Festival, while another feature-length film is currently in development for a network and streaming platform.
