HBO Max, Cartoon Network and Lion Forge Animation have green-lit a 2D adaptation of Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the 2017 novel created by Roye Okupe and illustrator Godwin Akpan.

The content giants recently announced the series development which will be financed and produced by Lion Forge animation.

Set in a magical Yoruba kingdom, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan girl who spends her days studying the history and ancient arts of her people but yearns for a normal life.

Nonetheless, one day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers. With her newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers as they embark on a journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking around them.

According to Variety, the series will be created and co-executive produced by Okupe who will also write and direct multiple episodes. Saxton Moore, Lion Forge head of productions, will serve as supervising director.

“When I set out to create ‘Iyanu’ for a global audience, I wanted to develop a world that combined everything I love about the fantasy genre with the majesty and awe that is ancient West Africa,” said Roye Okupe.

“On top of that, working with Godwin Akpan, who illustrated the books, as our art director and collaborating with a thoughtful studio like Lion Forge Animation that prioritizes authenticity and diversity, is beyond belief.”

Other executive producers include Doug Schwalbe, Carl Reed, Lion Forge’s David Steward II and Matt Heath, Impact X Capital’s Erica Dupuis and Forefront Media Group’s Ryan Haidarian while the writer’s room will be led by Brandon Easton.

Lalasticlala

Would be nice!

This is great, Africans should change the narratives. No be only spiderman, bat man we go dey watch

ThreeEyedRaven:
This is great, Africans should change the narratives. No be only spiderman, bat man we go dey watch

Exactly. Our film makers needs to venture into genres like History, Teen movies (High School) etc