By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Lion Forge Entertainment and ITVX are bringing the Iyanu animated series to audiences across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Beginning on July 3, ITVX will debut all 10 episodes of Iyanu season one on its streaming platform.
“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 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 UK audiences looking for bold, original storytelling.”
Inspired by the history and culture of the Yoruba people, the series follows a young orphan named Iyanu who lives in the kingdom of Yorubaland.
While studying history and ancient arts, a looming threat awakens divine powers within her that have not been seen since the legendary Age of Wonders.
Accompanied by her friends Biyi, Toye and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to discover the source of the evil threat and her true destiny.
The animated series is adapted from creator and showrunner Roye Okupe’s original graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics.
“Iyanu is a story deeply rooted in Yoruba history, culture, and mythology—and that cultural authenticity is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Okupe. “But as I always say, Iyanu is for everyone: kids, adults, and families from all walks of life. That’s why I’m so excited about this partnership with ITVX. I can’t wait for audiences in the UK to experience the magic and wonder of Iyanu,” added Okupe. “A series that’s already capturing hearts around the world.”
The UK debut of Lion Forge’s Iyanu series follows the recent success of the animated property’s first season on Showmax across 44 countries in Africa and on Max and Cartoon Network in the U.S.
Since its initial release, the series has been ranked as Cartoon Network’s number one kids series and a top ten kids & family series on Max.
This rapid success has already led to the show being greenlit for a second season, approved for two feature films and aided in developing a strong licensing program.
“Iyanu will make a wonderful addition to ITVX,” said ITVX senior acquisitions manager, Darren Nartey. “It’s a powerful series which we’re sure will capture audiences both young and old.”
Launched in late 2022, ITVX is a UK-based streaming service that provides users with access to both free ad-supported content and an ad-free paid subscription option.
The Iyanu series is executive produced by industry professionals from Lion Forge Entertainment, YouNeek Studios, Impact X Capital, Forefront Media Group and Superprod.
Part of the Polarity media and sports firm, Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE) is an Academy award-winning, Black-owned entertainment studio that was founded in 2019 by David Steward II.
The studio focuses on amplifying high-quality, diverse content and talent across animation and live-action entertainment.
LFE’s Iyanu series features a full cast of voice actors from across the African continent to authentically represent the characters portrayed in the show.
This includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu, Okey Jude as Biyu, Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori, Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Shaffy Bello as the One Mother, Stella Damasus as Mama Sewa and more.
Photo Credit: Lion Forge Entertainment