Lion Forge Entertainment & Roye Okupe Set First-Look Deal

Lion Forge Entertainment has scored 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 for Max and Cartoon Network, based on Okupe/YouNeek Studios’ and Dark Horse Comics’ award-winning graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder.

Through the first-look deal, Lion Forge Entertainment will adapt Okupe’s best-selling graphic novels, which are published through Dark Horse Comics, for TV, film and games and collaborate with Okupe on Lion Forge’s own original projects that Okupe may develop, write and/or direct for the studio.

Among the properties Lion Forge has the option to develop and produce are Okupe’s Malika: Warrior Queen, E.X.O.–The Legend of Wale Williams, WindMaker and The Oloris. The partnership also expands Lion Forge’s Iyanu rights to include live action.

Production is currently underway for Iyanu. Lion Forge is set to introduce the series to global distributors at MIPCOM.

David Steward II, founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, stated: “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. 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.”

Okupe added: “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. 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.”

“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,” said Stephanie Sperber, CCO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “Together, we aspire to create generational stories that entertain and inspire.”