Monday, February 16, 2026

New Iyanu Movie at 2026 Pan African Film Festival

Last May, Lion Forge announced their plans to make two prequel movies for their hit animated TV series. Now, the first full-length movie for Iyanu has arrived! Congratulations to Lion Forge and director Roye Okupe on bringing their vision to life!

Here's all the info on what's coming your way and where to see it:

LION FORGE ENTERTAINMENT’S NEW IYANU MOVIE NAMED OFFICIAL SELECTION AT 2026 PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

Ahead of Season 2 premiere, Lion Forge expands flagship franchise with feature-length prequel

WHO:

Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE), the Academy Award®-winning studio behind Hair Love and executive producers of the hit animated series Iyanu, continues to expand its flagship franchise with Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes.

Inspired by the best-selling graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe (Dark Horse Comics), the series debuted on Cartoon Network and streams on HBO Max. Rooted in Nigerian mythology and folklore, the franchise brings the richness of Yoruba culture to global audiences.

Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes is written and directed by Okupe, who also serves as series creator, showrunner, and executive producer, alongside Lion Forge executive producers David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Matt Heath, and Kirsten Newlands.

WHAT:

Lion Forge Entertainment’s feature-length animated prequel Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes will make its world premiere as an Official Selection at the 2026 Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF).

Set a century before the events of the NAACP Image Award–nominated series, the film explores the origins of power, legacy, and royal succession in the fantasy kingdom of Elu, expanding the mythology and cultural foundation of the growing Iyanu universe ahead of its summer television release on Cartoon Network and HBO Max.

The selection is part of PAFF SOUL, the festival’s 34th anniversary theme highlighting the emotional, spiritual, and cultural core of Black storytelling. The 2026 festival features more than 100 films from across the African Diaspora and runs February 7–22, making it the nation’s largest Black History Month cultural event.

The film is nominated for the Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature and is also eligible for the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.

WHEN:

Saturday, February 21, 2026

11:00 AM PT

WHERE:

The Culver Theater — Auditorium #3

9500 Culver Blvd

Culver City, CA 90232

ABOUT THE FILM:

In the prosperous kingdom of Elu, King Oba Adedeji must choose an heir between his twin sons—one bold and decisive, the other thoughtful and restrained. When he refuses to decide, the kingdom is thrust into a conflict with lasting political and spiritual consequences, setting the stage for a war that will shape the future of Yorubaland.

For additional film information, visit:

https://paff2026.eventive.org/films/698192eb335b25e284074d12

Thanks to Lion Forge and Kosi Harris PR for sharing this announcement with us.

ABOUT LION FORGE ENTERTAINMENT

Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE), one of the few Black-owned entertainment studios of scale in North America, was founded in 2019 by David Steward II to amplify authentic, diverse voices in both animated and live-action content. With “Diverse Stories, Authentically Told” as its mission, LFE has won an Academy Award for Hair Love and multiple Emmy® awards. LFE is part of Polarity, a media and sports-focused firm whose portfolio includes publishers Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group and Magnetic Press, within the broader Steward Family holdings spanning technology, sports, and music. LFE is led by President and CCO Stephanie Sperber, an award-winning media executive and franchise builder in the kids and family space. Follow @lionforge to learn more.