Lion Forge Entertainment’s Iyanu animated series has secured a multi-season distribution deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). With this agreement, ABC holds exclusive free-to-air TV rights, streaming rights, and premiere rights in the region.
Season one premieres on ABC iview on September 26. It will then air on ABC Entertains starting September 29. Season two is already in development and scheduled for 2026.
From Graphic Novel to Screen
The Iyanu animated series is adapted from Iyanu: Child of Wonder, a graphic novel by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe. Published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the story blends African culture with superhero action.
Okupe directs the series and also serves as creator, executive producer, and showrunner. Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy-winning studio behind Hair Love, Iyanu combines Nigerian music, mythology, and rich worldbuilding with a modern twist.
Iyanu’s Global Success
The series first launched in the U.S. on HBO Max and Cartoon Network. It quickly became a hit, ranking as the number one kids show on Cartoon Network and a Top 10 Kids & Family title on HBO Max.
Its rapid success earned a renewal for season two, along with two feature films to expand the universe. In Africa, it debuted on Showmax across 44 countries, topping the Kids & Family category. By July, the show had reached the UK through ITVX, proving its international appeal.
Story of Iyanu
Season one takes place in Yorubaland, a magical kingdom. Iyanu, a young orphan, discovers divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Alongside her friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, she sets out to fight an ancient evil.
Season two will raise the stakes further. As a new enemy rises and ancient magic reawakens, Iyanu must restore balance to her world.
Voice Cast
The Iyanu animated series features an all-African voice cast. Serah Johnson leads as Iyanu, joined by Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello. The writing team was led by Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron) and Emmy winner Kerri Grant (Ada Twist, Scientist).
A Bold Step for Nollywood-Inspired Animation
Lion Forge CEO David Steward II shared his excitement about the ABC partnership:
“Iyanu is a dynamic superhero rooted in rich worldbuilding, packed with action and filled with adventure. It’s inspiring to see audiences in the U.S., UK, and Africa connect with the series, and we’re thrilled to now bring Australian families into Iyanu’s epic journey.”
Conclusion
The Iyanu animated series continues to push African-inspired stories to global audiences. Its arrival in Australia marks another milestone, bringing viewers a powerful mix of action, mythology, and culture.
