Upcoming animated superhero series Iyanu – which is due to premiere in the US on Cartoon Network and streamer Max in 2025 – has an all-Nigerian voice cast.

The cast is led by award-winning voiceover artist Serah Johnson in the title role – a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery of her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse that threatens to destroy humanity.

TV personality Okey Jude plays Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend, while Samuel Kugbiyi, known for his work in Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey, is Iyanu’s bookish companion.

In addition, award-winning Nollywood stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington (King of Boys, Gangs of Lagos) and Blossom Chukwujekwu (Falling, Stolen Lives) have also been cast.

Also providing voices are Stella Damasus, known for her role in Gone, and Shaffy Bello, recognised for her work in The Score and Battleground. Ike Ononye, whose credits include Doc Martin and The Lovers, rounds out the line-up.

The 26-episode, two-season series immerses viewers in Nigerian culture, music and mythology, unfolding in the mystical kingdom of Yorubaland. Centring on Iyanu, a teenage orphan yearning for a simple life despite her fascination with history and ancient arts, the tale takes a dramatic turn when she unexpectedly unlocks her divine powers during a crisis, dormant since the Age of Wonders.

Iyanu is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe. The toon is executive produced by David Steward II and Matt Heath from US-based Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and former HBO and Dreamworks exec Doug Schwalbe.

tagged in: Cartoon Network, Iyanu, Max