Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes Premiere Date Set for July 11

Lion Forge Entertainment has exciting news for fans of the Iyanu franchise! The second feature-length prequel, “Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes,” is set to premiere on July 11 on Cartoon Network, followed by streaming on HBO Max the next day. The announcement was made at the WonderCon 2026 panel, “Iyanu Returns: An Exclusive Look at Season 2,” at the Anaheim Convention Center.

“Iyanu has been a shining example of authentic storytelling, rich in culture, and beloved by audiences worldwide,” said David Steward II, Founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “We are incredibly proud of ‘The War of Twin Princes’ and can’t wait for everyone to experience it this summer.”

The film is set in the prosperous Yorubaland kingdom of Elu, where revered ruler Oba Adedeji must choose an heir between his twin sons, Prince Debo and Prince Laja. When he struggles to make a decision, it leads to a conflict with significant political and spiritual consequences that will shape the kingdom’s future for generations to come.

“Iyanu: The War of Twin Princes” is a prequel to Season 2 of the animated series, Iyanu, and features the voices of Serah Johnson as Iyanu, Faith Gesiere-Agua as antagonist Adura, and Femi Bakes as twin princes Debo and Laja. The film was also selected for the 2026 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Creator of the original graphic novel and executive producer of Iyanu, Roye Okupe, shared, “This film delves deeper into the history of Yorubaland, exploring the origins of Queen Adura and the People of the Deep, setting the stage for Season 2. It’s a powerful story about power, legacy, and the consequences of indecision, and I’m excited for fans to see how it all ties together.”

Season 2 of Iyanu premiered on March 21 on Cartoon Network, with new episodes airing weekly and streaming on HBO Max the next day. The season continues to explore the rich world of Yorubaland as Iyanu faces off against Adura, a cunning ruler of the People of the Deep.

Lion Forge Entertainment, led by David Steward II, is known for its commitment to culturally authentic storytelling for audiences of all ages. The success of the Iyanu series on Cartoon Network and HBO Max has solidified the studio as a leader in the industry.

Founded in 2019, Lion Forge Entertainment is a Black-owned studio that has garnered acclaim for projects like “Hair Love,” an Academy Award-winning animated short, and multiple Emmy-winning productions. The company is part of Polarity, which includes Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group and Magnetic Press, and is under the leadership of President and CCO Stephanie Sperber.