Iyanú is almost here!
In the world of entertainment, adapting beloved stories from one medium to another is both an exciting and daunting task. The team behind Iyanú: Child of Wonder, however, has embraced the challenge with passion and precision, transforming the acclaimed graphic novel series into an animated series set to premiere in 2025.
In an exclusive conversation with Geeks of Color, Iyanú creator and executive producer Roye Okupe, supervising director Vincent Edwards, and writer Carrie Grant, who shared their experiences bringing this story to life. From the roots of Yoruba culture to the pressures of adapting a fan-loved story, the creators opened up about the creative journey, their challenges, and their hopes for the series’ impact.
Iyanú: Child of Wonder is a groundbreaking animated series set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, where an orphaned girl must unlock the secrets of her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel series by Roye Okupe, Iyanú weaves a rich tapestry of Nigerian mythology and culture, brought vividly to life through stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.
The Emmy-winning Lion Forge Entertainment, known for producing the Academy Award-winning animated short Hair Love, is the creative powerhouse behind Iyanú: Child of Wonder. Founded by David Steward II in 2019, Lion Forge is one of the only Black-owned animation studios of its scale in North America. With a mission to amplify authentic, diverse voices, Lion Forge has earned acclaim for projects like The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special and Rise Up, Sing Out. By adapting Okupe’s Iyanú graphic novels, Lion Forge continues its tradition of delivering stories that resonate deeply with audiences while staying true to their cultural roots.
Check out the full interview below:
A Dream Fifteen Years in the Making
Roye Okupe reflected on the incredible journey that began with a Kickstarter campaign for the Iyanú graphic novel and evolved into an animated series backed by Cartoon Network and Lion Forge Animation.
“They say nothing good comes easy, and this journey is a testament to that. It’s been over 15 years of hard work, from creating the graphic novel to securing funding, finding collaborators, and finally getting greenlit,” Okupe shared. “But every trial and tribulation prepared me for this moment. To see Iyanú evolve from static pages to moving, breathing characters—it’s humbling. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
A Celebration of Yoruba Culture
At its core, Iyanú is a love letter to Nigerian culture, particularly the Yoruba traditions that Okupe holds dear. However, the creators were clear that the show’s themes are universal.
“I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, dreaming of a show like Avatar: The Last Airbender but steeped in our culture,” Okupe explained. “While cultural authenticity is key, Iyanú is for everyone. Just like I saw myself in Spider-Man, people around the world can connect with Iyanú’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.”
The team also emphasized their commitment to cultural representation, casting Nigerian and African voice actors and ensuring every aspect of the production—from costumes to music—felt true to its roots. Featuring an all-African voice cast led by award-winning actors like Serah Johnson, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Stella Damasus, the series captures the spirit of its source material while broadening its appeal for global audiences.
The Collaborative Magic of the Writers’ Room
Adapting a graphic novel into an animated series required a tight-knit and collaborative writers’ room. With head writer Brandon Easton leading the charge, the team worked closely with Okupe to balance faithfulness to the source material with the demands of episodic storytelling.
Carrie Grant recalled the dynamic energy of the room: “We had this incredible foundation thanks to Roye’s 50-page backstory, which outlined the lore and history of the Iyanú universe. From there, we expanded on the characters and themes, always striving to maintain a strong connection to the graphic novels while exploring new dimensions for the screen.”
Vincent Edwards added, “The writers’ room is a charged space. Creative minds clashing and collaborating—it’s not easy. But what made it work was our shared respect for the material and each other. We wanted to honor the fans of the books while opening the world to new audiences.”
Bringing Static Pages to Life
As supervising director, Edwards faced the unique challenge of translating the static imagery of the graphic novel into the vibrant world of animation.
“My role is to ensure the world and characters feel alive,” Edwards explained. “We worked tirelessly on everything—from movement to music—to create an immersive experience. Seeing Iyanú interact with her world, hearing her voice, and watching her journey unfold in motion has been an unforgettable experience.”
The team shared a memorable moment from production where a pivotal scene from the graphic novel—a confrontation between Iyanú and her corrupted spirit animal Echo—was brought to life in animation.
“When we saw that scene animated for the first time, it was surreal,” Okupe said. “It captured the emotional depth of the graphic novel while adding new layers of intensity. I almost cried.”
Universal Themes, Timeless Appeal
The creators believe Iyanú’s universal themes—family, identity, and resilience—will resonate with audiences of all ages.
“At its heart, Iyanú is a coming-of-age story,” Grant noted. “It’s about a young girl discovering her power and place in the world. The specificity of her Yoruba heritage makes the story richer, but the themes are deeply human and relatable to everyone.”
Edwards agreed, adding, “There’s something for everyone in Iyanú—action, humor, heart, and mythology. It’s the kind of show families can enjoy together.”
A Message for Fans
As they gear up for Iyanú’s 2025 release, the team is eager for fans to dive into the graphic novels and prepare for the animated series.
“We’ve poured our hearts into this project, and we’re so proud of what we’ve created,” Okupe said. “In the meantime, check out the graphic novels—they’re a great way to explore the world of Iyanú before the show premieres. We can’t wait for you to join us on this journey.”
The road to Iyanú: Child of Wonder has been long, but with the passion and dedication of its creators, this animated series promises to be a celebration of culture, storytelling, and imagination that viewers won’t soon forget.
Premiering in 2025, Iyanú will be available in the U.S. on Cartoon Network and Max, and across 44 African countries on Showmax, offering viewers worldwide a thrilling, culturally authentic experience.