When a group of people go on the internet and proclaim they can do something better than Walt Disney Animation, you better believe you will get the attention of Jennifer Lee and the rest of the creative forces behind the studio. And that’s exactly what Pan-African comic book company Kugali did and now it’s leading to the first collaboration by Walt Disney Animation Studio.

Lee explained on stage at the D23 Expo that for the first time ever Walt Disney Animation has teamed up with an outside studio to bring a long-form series to Disney+. Kugali filmmakers joined Disney’s Chief Creative Offficer on stage including Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim and Tolu Olowofoyeku. They introduced the characters and setting of the series — a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria called IWÁJÚ.

Olowofoyeku and Ibrahim described the world of IWÁJÚ as a futuristic depiction, .a world bursting with color, unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos, which is physically divided into an island and a mainland separated by both water and socio-economic status. The coming-of-age story introduces Tola, a young heiress from the wealthy island, and her best friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert and loving son from the mainland.

See it for Yourself

IWÁJÚ is coming to Disney+ in 2023.

But Wait, There’s More!

MouseInfo coverage of D23 Expo 2022 spans the entire weekend’s offerings! Stay up to date with all of our #D23Expo content below and don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!