Lion Forge Entertainment announced today it has set a first-look deal with award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe, founder of YouNeek Studios and creator of the YouNeek YouNiverse. Okupe and Lion Forge are currently working together on the animated fantasy series Iyanu (Max / Cartoon Network), based on Okupe/YouNeek Studios’ and Dark Horse Comics’ award-winning graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder.
“Roye Okupe’s incredible talent as a creator, writer and director is a testament to his dedication to storytelling that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds,” says David Steward II, Founder & CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “His creative vision aligns seamlessly with Lion Forge’s mission to offer diverse, culturally rich narratives that allow children to see themselves represented on screen. We are honored to embark on this journey with Roye and explore the boundless potential of the YouNeek YouNiverse.”
Under the deal, Lion Forge will adapt Okupe’s bestselling graphic novels (published through Dark Horse Comics) for TV, film and games, including Malika: Warrior Queen, E.X.O. – The Legend of Wale Williams, WindMaker and The Oloris. Okupe will also collaborate on Lion Forge’s own original projects as a developer, writer and/or director for the studio. The partnership also expands Lion Forge’s Iyanu rights to include live action.
“I am delighted to call Lion Forge Entertainment my creative home. They have shown unwavering support for my vision of Iyanu and the YouNeek YouNiverse, and I am eager to work closely with them on bringing these stories to life,” says Okupe. “This partnership not only strengthens our commitment to authentically represent Nigerian and African stories but also opens the door to new, original projects within the YouNeek YouNiverse and Lion Forge’s exciting originals. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.”
Stephanie Sperber, CCO of Lion Forge Entertainment, adds, “I look forward to exploring Roye’s captivating YouNeek YouNiverse and collaborating closely with him to develop additional authentic and compelling content for kids and families around the world. Together, we aspire to create generational stories that entertain and inspire.”
Production is currently underway on the Iyanu animated series. Lion Forge will introduce the project to global distributors at MIPCOM next week, offering a look into Iyanu’s captivating world as an epic superhero tale steeped in Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Okupe will also be discussing all things Iyanu (including offering an exclusive first look) during Dark Horse’s “World of Iyanu” panel this Sunday at New York Comic Con.
Born and raised in Lagos, Okupe is an accomplished author and filmmaker whose passion for comics and animation drove him to found YouNeek Studios in 2015. Through this platform, he has pursued his vision to create an interconnected universe of superhero and fantasy stories that draw inspiration for African history, culture and mythology.
