“Iyanu” Assembles All-Nigerian Cast for Max, Cartoon Network Animated Series

Max and Cartoon Network have unveiled the all-Nigerian voice cast for their upcoming animated series “Iyanu,” an epic superhero show steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology.

Rising actress Serah Johnson will lead the ensemble as the titular Iyanu, joined by Ike Ononye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Shaffy Bello in supporting roles.

Based on Roye Okupe’s popular “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios, the 2D animated “Iyanu” has already received a two-season order totaling 26 episodes. It’s slated for release in 2025 on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and Max’s streaming service.

Okupe is serving as an executive producer while also writing and directing multiple episodes. Brandon Easton (“Transformers: War for Cybertron: Siege”) is head writer, with Godwin Akpan as art director.

Other executive producers are David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe.

“Iyanu” marks another instance of Western studios bringing animated African stories to the screen, following Cartoon Network’s “Garbage Boy and Trash Can” produced in Africa as well as Disney’s “Iwaju” and “Kizazi Moto.”

The high-profile project, first announced in 2022, represents a major opportunity to highlight Nigerian talent and culture through the popular superhero genre on a global scale.