Lion Forge Entertainment’s breakout animated fantasy series Iyanu
returns for season two on March 21 on Cartoon Network and the following
day on HBO Max. The debut season captivated young audiences and quickly
became a cultural standout with strong ratings and engagement across
both platforms.
Based on the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe, and produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.
Season
two returns with 10 new episodes where we’ll see Iyanu continue to
master her burgeoning powers as she finds herself in the midst of a
fierce conflict between Elu and the People of the Deep, led by a new
formidable opponent. With various factions of Yorubaland vying for
powerful divine artifacts that have reemerged, Iyanu strives to find a
way to end the war and restore peace. As Team Chosen reunites and
tensions rise between old allies and foes, Iyanu must confront even more
powerful threats from the Age of Wonders - including secrets buried
deep within her own past.
Season
two continues Iyanu’s evolution as her powers deepen and the weight of
leadership intensifies. As long-buried history resurfaces, rising
tensions across Yorubaland awaken powerful ancient magic.
Returning
cast includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu; Okey Jude as Biyi; and Sam
Kugbiyi as Toye. New cast for season two includes Faith Gesiere Agua as
Queen Adura and David Onwubalili as Boju.
The
show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber,
Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica
Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and
Doug Schwalbe of Superprod. Iyanu was adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder
by Youneek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. Okupe, who also serves as
series creator, executive producer, and showrunner, is excited about the
expansion of the Iyanu universe.
Iyanu
continues to be celebrated for its rich world-building, stunning
animation, and authentic portrayal of African culture and mythology. The
success of the series and its expanded universe perfectly align with
Lion Forge’s mission to create multiple quality stories across various
platforms from one core narrative, further solidifying its place in the
global entertainment landscape.
The Iyanu
universe continues to expand, with another feature-length film
currently in development for network and streaming platforms. The
franchise has also earned major critical recognition, including two
NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding
Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special for Iyanu: The Age of Wonders. Its
cultural impact continues to resonate globally, most recently winning
the MIPAfrica Inclusive Lens Award in the Older Kids category. Further
elevating its international reach, Nigerian pop star Yemi Alade received
the AFRIMA Award for Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary
for her song “You Are,” the opening theme for Iyanu.
Lion
Forge Entertainment Founder and CEO David Steward II says, “Iyanu has
proven itself to be a standout series, and we’re thrilled to continue
that journey with season two. This next chapter raises the stakes in
every way, from the scale of the story to the depth of its characters.
Iyanu season two marks an exciting milestone for the franchise’s
continued growth. We’re confident viewers will be drawn even deeper into
this world as Iyanu’s adventure expands with bold storytelling and
powerful new challenges.”
“Iyanu’s
journey in season two is one of secrets, sacrifice, and the true cost
of leadership, and it has been the most rewarding creative experience of
my career,” said Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Roye Okupe.
“I am thrilled to once again partner with Lion Forge Entertainment to
bring this project to life.”
Fans can currently catch up on Season 1 of Iyanu, including the finale movie special Iyanu: The Age of Wonders,
now on HBO Max in the U.S. The series is also available
internationally, streaming on Showmax across 44 African countries, ITVX
in the United Kingdom, ABCiview in Australia, and in the United Arab
Emirates and wider MENA region on Ejunior Kids TV and STARZPLAY.
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Cartoon Network
is one of the most loved global animated networks. Widely seen by fans
all over the world as the best in animation, Cartoon Network combines a
rich legacy of characters and a deep roster of creatives with unique
brands of storytelling. Showcasing original content from across Cartoon
Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe,
and beyond, Cartoon Network programming includes “Craig of the Creek,”
“Teen Titans Go!,” “We Baby Bears,” “Tiny Toons Looniversity,” and “The
Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe.” Cartoon Network's content
commitment appeals to the complete spectrum of kids and families
including preschoolers with “Batwheels,” “Bugs Bunny Builders,” and more
on Cartoonito, and blockbuster hits on the ultimate family destination,
ACME Night.
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 driving 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, which range from technology, sports, and music among other
interests. LFE is led by President and CCO Stephanie Sperber, an
accomplished and award-winning media executive and franchise builder in
the kids and family space. Lion Forge Entertainment is represented by
Activist Artists Management.
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