First footage from Cartoon Network and Max IYANU’s Nigerian superhero animated series

The first footage from Cartoon Network and Max’s new Nigerian superhero animated series has been released, Iyanu. The clip was released this weekend during the show’s panel at New York Comic-Con. Iyanu will premiere on Cartoon Network and Max in Spring 2025.

The trailer opens with a voiceover: “It has been foretold by our ancestors that in times of great conflict there will be the Chosen Ones, who will rise again to restore harmony among the people and creatures of Yorubaland.”

The video then continues with a lush and vibrant landscape, in which the main characters, Iyanu and Biyi, find themselves in a moment of heart-pounding danger when the tranquility is shattered by the thunderous charge of a wild rhinoceros, a powerful symbol of the raw strength of nature. .

“Then, in a stunning display of courage and insight, Iyanu channels the ancestral wisdom of her heritage, stopping the rhino in its tracks and revealing her true nature as the chosen one.

The groundbreaking series is adapted from the popular graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios Iyanu: son of wonder from the award-winning Nigerian creator and director Roye Okupe. It is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment with support from Cartoon Network and Max.

Iyanu is a superhero story set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, drawing inspiration from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Taking deep inspiration from the Yoruba people, the animated series follows an orphaned teenager, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but longs for a normal life.

One day, in response to danger, he unknowingly activates his divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonder. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on an extraordinary journey to uncover the truth about the evil lurking in his homeland.

During his adventure, he will discover the truth about his past, his parents and his ultimate destiny: to save the world.

The all Nigerian voice cast is led by Evening Johnson as Iyanu, along with Okay, Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s happy-go-lucky adventurer friend; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion; Adesua Etomi-Wellington like Olori; Chukwujekwu flower as Kanfo, Toye’s father; Stella Damaso like Sewa; Shaffy Bello in the role of Emi – The Only Mother; AND Ike Ononye in the role of the elderly Alapani.

Brandon Easton (Transformers: War For Cybertron: Seige, Marvel’s Agent Carter), serves as showrunner, Roye Okupe serves as executive producer, writer and director on multiple episodes.

Watch the video below and let us know what you think: