HBO Max & Cartoon Network to adapt African superhero comic ‘Iyanu: Child Of Wonder’

Iyanu: Child Of Wonder

Warner Bros. Discovery has ordered an adaptation of the Dark Horse Comics & YouNeek Studios graphic novel series Iyanu: Child Of Wonder as a 2D animation for HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

David Steward II’s US-based Lion Forge Animation, which was behind the Oscar-winning Hair Love, will produce the series, which is being created by Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe.

Iyanu: Child Of Wonder is an epic superhero tale steeped in Nigeria’s rich culture, music, and mythology. Set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, the series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying Yoruba history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life.

One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers as they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she’ll uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.

Brandon Easton (Transformers: War For Cybertron: Seige, Marvel’s Agent Carter) is heading the writers’ room, with Roye Okupe serving as the executive producer, writer, and director on multiple episodes. Lion Forge Animation’s head of production, Saxton Moore (Rise Up, Sing Out), will serve as supervising director.

Also executive producing are David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Animation, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group, Doug Schwalbe, and Carl Reed.

Amy Friedman, head of kids & family programming, at Warner Bros. Discovery, commented: “Iyanu: Child Of Wonder has it all – vast world-building, authentic characters, a strong, African female hero at the center, and a first-class team of stellar creators and producers.

“While created for kids, the series will resonate with anyone looking for an adventure filled with surprise, magic, lore, and legend. We feel so lucky to be the home of Iyanu and partnering with this team.”