Lion Forge’s Nigerian mythology-inspired animated series Iyanu lands at UK streamer ITVX

Iyanu draws on Nigerian culture, music and mythology

UK broadcaster ITV’s streaming service ITVX has picked up US-based Lion Forge Entertainment’s upcoming animated kids’ series Iyanu (26×22’), which is based on Nigerian mythology.

The streamer has acquired the exclusive VoD rights to the epic fantasy superhero series for the UK and the non-exclusive rights for Ireland.

Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics, the series is set to premiere this spring on Warner Bros Discovery’s Cartoon Network and Max in the US and this summer on ITVX in the UK. It will also stream on Showmax in 44 countries in Africa.

Drawing on Nigerian culture, music and mythology, Iyanu follows a young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. Alongside her friends and a magical leopard, she becomes embroiled in a battle of good versus evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.

Okupe, who was born and raised in Nigeria, is the creator, exec producer and showrunner of the series, via his YouNeek Studios. The writers’ room was led by story editor Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron, Marvel’s Agent Carter) and includes Kerri Grant (Doc McStuffins, Ada Twist Scientist).

The exec producers for Lion Forge are founder and CEO David Steward II, president and chief content officer Stephanie Sperber, exec VP of production and partnerships Kirsten Newlands and head of studio finance Matt Heath. Lion Forge is best known for the Oscar-winning short Hair Love.