Cartoon Network & Max Greenlight ‘Iyanu’ S2 Plus Two Movies

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Following the breakout first season, a second season of Lion Forge Entertainment’s Iyanu, the epic animated fantasy series inspired by Nigerian mythology, along with two feature films expanding its universe, have been greenlit by Cartoon Network and Max.

Based on the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe, and produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.

“We’re incredibly inspired by the response to Iyanu and the connection it has made with audiences,” said David Steward II, CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “The opportunity to expand this world with a second season and two feature films is a testament to the power of meaningful storytelling and innovative creative collaboration. We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners at Cartoon Network and Max, and it’s been a lot of fun working with Roye to bring Iyanu to life and build the franchise.”

Okupe, who also serves as series creator, executive producer and showrunner, commented, “This is a huge win for Iyanu, Lion Forge Entertainment and YouNeek Studios fans around the world. The support for our show has been nothing short of humbling — and because of that incredible response, we now get to bring the next chapter of Iyanu’s story to life. I’m thrilled to continue expanding the world of Iyanu and the YouNeek YouNiverse, and to share this journey with audiences across the globe. This is just the beginning.”

Season 2 will return with 10 new episodes where we’ll see Iyanu continue to master her burgeoning powers as she finds herself in the midst of a fierce conflict between Elu and the People of the Deep, led by a new formidable opponent. With various factions of Yorubaland vying for powerful divine artifacts that have reemerged, Iyanu strives to find a way to end the war and restore peace. As Team Chosen reunites and tensions rise between old allies and foes, Iyanu must confront even more powerful threats from the Age of Wonders — including secrets buried deep within her own past.

The first of the planned animated film extensions, titled The Age of Wonders, is set to be released later this year. It will transport viewers 500 years before Iyanu’s rise, taking them to a thriving Yorubaland at the peak of its magical civilization. When the embodiment of the seven deadly sins threatens the world, Iyanu’s predecessors join forces with the Divine Ones to prevent the Age of Darkness.

The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod. Iyanu was adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Youneek Studios and Dark Horse Comics.

Iyanu Season 2 will return to Cartoon Network and Max in 2026, followed by the second film currently in production.

Cartoon Network International Unveils Teaser Trailer And Logo For The Wonderfully Weird World Of Gumball

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Cartoon Network International has released a teaser trailer and logo for The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball, a continuation of the BAFTA Children’s, International Emmy, and Annie multi-award-winning series, The Amazing World of Gumball. Produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is set to launch later this year on Cartoon Network Africa and will stream on Hulu in the United States. 

 

Welcome back to Elmore, where the laws of reality are a joke, and family life is anything but ordinary. Whether he’s battling an evil fast-food empire, facing off against a sentient AI in love with his mom, or trying to stop Banana Joe from wearing pants — Gumball Watterson drags his brother Darwin, sister Anais, and the rest of the town of Elmore along for the ride. With even wilder stories, bigger twists, and surreal humor, the show is so amazing that they had to rename it! 

 

Created and executive produced by Ben Bocquelet,

The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is a quarter-hour animated comedy series that blends an eclectic mix of media styles – including 2D & 3D animation, CGI, puppetry, photorealism and live action – into a wildly imaginative world defined by its vibrant visual style and sharp meta humour. Matt Layzell and Erik Fountain serve as Executive Producers and Series Directors. The Composer for the series is Xav Clarke and Joe Sparrow serves as Art Director. The stellar voice cast includes Alkaio Thiele as Gumball, Hero Hunter as Gumball’s younger brother Darwin, Kinza Syed Khan as younger sister Anais, Teresa Gallagher as his mother Nicole, and Dan Russell as his father Richard, and many more. 

 

Creator and Executive Producers Ben Bocquelet, Matt Layzell and Erik Fountain say:

“What an amazing opportunity to play with these characters again! Fans can look forward to plenty more antics and misadventures in Elmore because Gumball and Darwin haven’t grown up much since we last saw them…we haven’t either.” 

 

Vanessa Brookman, Warner Bros Discovery, GM, International Kids, Animation and Franchise says: “We thought it was about time that Gumball and the rest of the gang woke up from their catnap, to do what they do best, and delight more fans with more distinctive humour, visual inventiveness and wild adventures. Guided by the immense talents of Ben, Matt, Erik and team, the new series continues Gumball’s legacy as one of the most iconic, groundbreaking and beloved Cartoon Network shows of all time.” 

Disney Channel Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Miraculous Chibi, Scheduled For 2026

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Miraculous Corp has locked down a launch plan for Miraculous Chibi that will see its new take on flagship series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir roll out on YouTube first in Q4, and then on Disney Branded TV platforms and France’s TF1 in 2026. 

Aimed at five to 11s, this 52 x three-minute spinoff (pictured) is banking on “wildly expressive” non-verbal humor to drive the action for a set of superhero protagonists who have been reimagined in a distinctive Japanese art style called chibi, which gives characters smaller features and exaggerated cuteness. 

The new treatment—which was teased by Miraculous Corp CEO Andy Yeatman at a MIP Junior presentation last fall—is a longer-form expansion of a previous miniseries called Miraculous Zag Chibi that launched in 2018. It featured 90-second chibi-style clips that have since generated more than 650 million YouTube views. With a similarly snackable format and digital-first rollout, Miraculous Chibi is positioning itself to reach the same online audience first before making its way onto linear platforms.  

Miraculous Corp’s strategy borrows a page from Disney, which has given many of its legacy TV characters the chibi treatment in recent years. Disney TV Animation launched a Chibi Tiny Tales shorts series in 2020 that went on to spawn long-form spinoff The Chibiverse two years later.

Warner Bros. Discovery Looking To Spin-Off It's Cable Networks Ahead Of Restructure

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Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is moving towards a potential break-up, CNBC reported on Thursday, as media companies explore options for their struggling cable TV businesses and sharpen focus on their faster-growing streaming and studios divisions.

WBD shares surged more than 4% on the news, rebounding from earlier losses of nearly 6% that were triggered by a dour quarterly report.

The company missed first-quarter revenue estimates and posted a larger-than-expected loss earlier in the day due to a sluggish box office performance and ongoing declines in cable.

The media industry is going through what some executives have called a “general disruption” as millions of subscribers abandon once-lucrative cable TV for streaming. That has piled pressure on companies to consistently produce hit studio content and boost profitability in their streaming businesses.

WBD had laid the groundwork for a possible sale or spin-off of its declining cable TV assets in December by announcing a separation from its streaming and studio operations. It reported results under the new structure for the first time on Thursday.

A split will align the company with Comcast, which is spinning off most of its cable TV networks such as MSNBC and CNBC to position itself for growth in the streaming era.

Analysts have long speculated about a break-up of WBD, formed by the 2022 merger between Warner Media and Discovery.

“WBD would be leaner and have stronger growth potential without cable assets. But finding a buyer could be difficult. Linear TV is deteriorating and WBD has big debts,” said eMarketer analyst Ross Benes.

WBD, which has $38bn (R693.4bn) of gross debt, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the CNBC report.

Its CEO David Zaslav said on Thursday the company's programming strength was helping Max attract subscribers in a crowded market for streaming services.

WBD added 5.3-million streaming subscribers in the January to March quarter, more than the 3.1-million estimated by analysts, taking its total to 122.3-million. Its content slate in the period included the third season of HBO's The White Lotus and the medical drama series The Pitt.

However, its results were hampered by a weak showing at the box office as WBD struggled to replicate the success of last year's Dune: Part Two, which grossed more than $700m (R12,7-trillion). Its marquee release for the period, Bong Joon Ho's sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, earned only slightly more than its reported budget at the box office.

Studio revenue fell 18% to $2.3bn, missing estimates of $2.7bn, according to Visible Alpha.

The company has, however, made a strong start to the second quarter with Ryan Coogler's horror film Sinners and the blockbuster A Minecraft Movie, which has raked in around $900 million globally, making it the biggest release of 2025 so far.

Revenue at the TV networks segment, which includes CNN, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, fell 7%.

Overall, revenue fell 10% to $8.98bn, missing analysts' average estimate of $9.60bn, according to data compiled by LSEG. Loss of 18c per share was also larger than expectations for a 13c loss.

BBC First Rebrands To BBC NL In Netherlands

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BBC Studios has announced that it will rebrand its premium drama channel BBC First in the Netherlands to BBC NL on May 15th. The BBC NL channel will continue to provide Dutch audiences with dramas and crime series handpicked by the local team in Amsterdam and fully localised with subtitles for Dutch audiences, in a new-look home.

Bram Husken, SVP & General Manager Benelux & Nordics at BBC Studios, commented: “We have had a fantastic response to BBC First over the past decade, consistently ranking as a top 10 channel. We believe that there is an opportunity to bring our world class storytelling to an even wider audience. Evolving to BBC NL articulates to audiences that this is a service curated specifically for the Dutch audience, with a bespoke programming line-up of some of BBC Studios’ most popular and well-nurtured brands, available with Dutch subtitles. There’s never been a better time to come to us and see the best of your British neighbours.”

To mark the launch of BBC NL, audiences can tune into the premiere of popular light crime period drama Miss Scarlet. Seasom five, which begins on May 15th, sees the Victorian detective Eliza Scarlet tasked with solving mysterious crimes alongside brand-new Detective Inspector, Alexander Blake. Audiences can also enjoy the return of the Yorkshire-based trio of vets operating against the backdrop of World War II in season 5 of All Creatures Great and Small, which airs on May 21st.

Throughout May other new premieres audiences can enjoy on BBC NL include the popular Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise season 3 which follows DI Humphrey Goodman in the sleepy town of Shipton Abbott near the Devon Coast. Further fan-favourite returners include Murdoch Mysteries season 17, Call The Midwife season 14, The Chelsea Detective season 3, Darby and Joan season 2 and the BBC’s longest running crime series, Silent Witness, returns for season 28.

Press Release: Netflix Announces Live Action Scooby-Doo Series

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The eight-episode show goes back to the haunting case that started it all.

Half a century, three theatrical films, and more than a dozen animated series later, Scooby-Doo remains one of pop culture’s most recognizable and entertaining characters. But few people know about how the cowardly dog and his mystery-solving gang first got together. In a new series, showrunners Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg (and their production company, Midnight Radio) are going back to the beginning, to the terrifying case that started it all.

Based on the characters from Hanna-Barbera, the latest show is a modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at Camp Ruby-Spears, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever-so-handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.  

The series will be executive produced by Rosenberg and Appelbaum, as well as Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman (via Berlanti Productions), and André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner (via Midnight Radio). “One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cels,” says Greg Berlanti. “Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation. We are grateful to them and everyone at Warner and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!”

This isn’t the first time a beloved franchise has made its live-action debut on Netflix. Netflix has continued the world-building of beloved franchises with live-action adaptations of ONE PIECE and Avatar: The Last Airbender, as well as fan-favorite characters like Wednesday. “Mystery Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time,” said Peter Friedlander, vice president of scripted series at Netflix. “The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable — it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced. Together with creative powerhouses Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, we’re committed to delighting longtime fans and opening up a world of groovy adventures for a new era of meddling kids.” 

The show is a result of Berlanti Productions’ overall deal with Warner Bros. Television. Clancy Collins White, president of creative affairs at Warner Bros. Television, added, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with our longstanding partners at Berlanti Productions and with Midnight Radio to bring the legendary Scooby-Doo franchise to a live-action series for the first time. It’s no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than a half century. We’re excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc. And we’re grateful to our partners at Netflix for the opportunity.”

Power Rangers TV Series In Development For Disney+

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“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are in talks to write, showrun and produce a live-action “Power Rangers” series for Disney+ and 20th Century TV, TheWrap has exclusively learned.

Hasbro will produce the series, which will reinvent the franchise for a whole new generation of fans while delighting those who already know and love the world of Power Rangers.

The ’90s TV show, originally called “The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” was inspired by a Japanese children’s show, “Super Sentai” (even using footage from that show). It featured five teenagers who gain the ability to “morph” into superheroes known as the Power Rangers, complete with their own mech fighters. A film version of the series that starred most of the original cast was released in 1995, with a second one in 1997 (this one featured only a few original cast members).

The series has had many different iterations throughout the past 25 years.

Lionsgate and Saban Film attempted to reboot the original “Power Rangers” franchise in 2017 as a gritty, YA adaptation. The film grossed only $142 million on a budget of around $100 million, scrapping hopes for a bigger franchise.

Hasbro then acquired Power Rangers in 2018 in a deal designed to capitalize on the franchise’s full potential across all of the company’s divisions. 

The development of “Power Rangers” is part of Hasbro Entertainment’s ongoing strategy to elevate storytelling and produce series based on Hasbro’s most iconic brands alongside the industry’s best talent, studios and distribution platforms. Beyond “Power Rangers,” Hasbro Entertainment’s active projects include a re-imagining of “Clue” across film and television with Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Television; a live-action “Dungeons & Dragons” series “Forgotten Realms,” currently in development at Netflix with Academy Award nominee Shawn Levy executive producing; showrunner Terry Matalas’ animated “Magic: The Gathering” series, currently in production at Netflix; a major, live-action film and television universe adapted from “Magic: The Gathering,” produced alongside Legendary Entertainment; and game shows based on “Trivial Pursuit” and “Scrabble,” which both premiered on The CW this past fall.

Steinberg and is currently the co-creator, executive producer and showrunner of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for Disney+, along with his producing partner Shotz. It just wrapped its second season and has been renewed for a third. Other credits include the critically acclaimed series “The Old Man,” starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow for FX. Both series are produced by 20th Television/The Walt Disney Company, where Steinberg and Shotz have housed their production company, Quaker Moving Pictures, since 2019.

BabyTV Unveils A Batch Of Programming To Commemorate 20 Years

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BabyTV, the world’s first global dedicated television channel for babies and toddlers, marks its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, BabyTV has redefined early childhood entertainment with safe, high-quality and engaging content for children aged five and under, and has been a trusted partner for parents.

Founded in 2005, BabyTV was acquired by Fox International Channels in 2007, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a trusted brand for parents worldwide. In 2019, The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox, making BabyTV part of Disney’s global family of networks. This transition has further strengthened BabyTV’s ability to innovate and deliver premium content to families worldwide.

To celebrate this milestone, BabyTV is kicking off a special anniversary celebration starting April 1. Viewers can look forward to a festive programming lineup featuring birthday-themed episodes of beloved shows; a social media tribute to iconic moments, characters and series from the past 20 years; and exclusive collections on the BabyTV app and YouTube channels. Plus, plenty of surprises along the way to thank families for making BabyTV a part of their journey.

Co-founder Ron Isaak and the BabyTV team have also taken the milestone as an opportunity to introduce its latest productions:

• The Jungle Book – BabyTV’s unique take on The Jungle Book, featuring “Baloo’s Forest School,” followed by “Welcome to the Jungle,” a new song series exploring Mowgli’s first experiences in the jungle.

• Travelers – Join the level-headed Perry and the mischievous Harley as they discover that there’s more than one way to solve a problem.

• Olly – Meet Olly, a playful three-year-old monkey who loves dressing up with his toy friends — whether as a bus driver, doctor, or dancer!

• My Robot & I – Follow Kim and her robot friend Kit as they explore the world together.

• The Lollipops – A toddler pop trio whose upbeat songs and performances will get everyone singing and dancing along.

• Billy and Bam Bam DIY Song Series – Sibling duo Billy and Bam Bam turn everyday objects into imaginative play.

• Family Song Series – With Mom and Dad leading the way, Taylor (seven years old), Robbie (four) and Eddie (two) turn everyday moments into fun adventures.

• Charlie & Friends – A lively song series where Charlie builds friendships through music and play.

• Tulip’s Daycare – Ms. Tulip and her students care for their vegetable garden while finding creative ways to befriend hungry animal visitors.

Nickelodeon Unveils New Animated Series, ‘Wylde Pak’

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Nickelodeon has revealed a first look at the new 2D animated comedy series, Wylde Pak. Inspired by co-creators and executive producers Paul Watling and Kyle Marshall’s family life, the series follows half siblings Lily and Jack as they learn to navigate blended multigenerational Korean American family dynamics. Wylde Pak is slated to debut this summer on the network.

“Nickelodeon’s commitment to showcasing stories about the human experience, filled with humor and adventure, holds true with the debut of the original series Wylde Pak,” said Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. “We can’t wait for our audience to meet this wonderfully blended family, which encapsulates what it means to be a modern family navigating the world around them while learning more about each other along the way."

In the first look clip, Lily, Jack, and their family navigate their local Asian market, Woori World, and compete to find a highly coveted box of imported Hallasand cookies. With mind-bending obstacles coming at them from every direction, Jack, Lily and their family must work together to stand a chance against some tough competition.

Wylde Pak stars Nikki Castillo as Lily Pak and Benjamin Plessala as Jack Wylde. Additional voices include Ben Pronsky as William Wylde; Jee Young Han as Min-Ju Pak; and Jean Yoon as Halmoni.

The show is the second short from Nickelodeon’s Intergalactic Shorts Program to be greenlit into a series. Seonna Hong (My Life as a Teenage Robot) and Conrad Vernon (Shrek) executive produce alongside Watling and Marshall. Development and production are overseen by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, TV Series Animation, Nickelodeon and Daniel Wineman, Vice President of Original Animation Development. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.