Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi- Wellington , along with emerging voice performer Jessica Edwards and screenwriter Emmanuella Amidu, unveil the cast for the new animated series titled 'Secrets of the Multiverse', a project that expands the award-winning universe of 'Lady Buckit & the Motley Mopsters'.
This 13-episode series, produced by Hot Ticket Productions, represents a significant advancement in Nigerian animation. It combines elements of science fiction with narrative storytelling grounded in cultural themes, specifically aimed at younger viewers and family audiences.
First introduced in 2025 by executive producer Blessing Amidu, the series revolves around two children who inadvertently cross into a multiverse, encountering a perilous future where their choices may dictate the fate of their world. Ms. Amidu characterizes the series as one that balances adventure with ethical considerations.
"It’s a world of danger that challenges not just their survival but their moral compass. The protagonists are tasked with preventing a catastrophic event threatening all they cherish," she explained.
In her role as Iyabo, a nurturing central figure, Ms. Etomi-Wellington expressed a personal connection to her character. "Iyabo is a mother and a caregiver, and I needed to draw from my personal experiences to portray her. This role resonates deeply with me," she said during the cast unveiling.
Discussing what attracted her to the project, Etomi-Wellington highlighted its cultural significance and moral teachings. She recalled her childhood memories of animation: "It’s exciting that this is African and specifically Nigerian content, created by us to share with the world."
The actress also emphasized the importance of the messages conveyed in children's storytelling: "I aspire to be part of productions that I can enthusiastically recommend to my children, knowing they embody values such as love, discipline, empathy, and kindness."
In bringing authenticity to her character, she noted the significance of certain cultural indicators in voice acting, such as a mother using a child's full name in moments of intensity, which adds depth to her performance.
Returning to her role as Bukky in this new endeavor, Jessica Edwards offers a more nuanced interpretation of her character, who now inhabits both heroic and villainous roles. "This rendition explores a more mature version of Bukky. She remains imaginative but must also confront inner struggles," Edwards remarked.
The now 16-year-old actress reflected on her growth alongside her character and expressed the pressure she feels to perform beyond her previous portrayal. "This character has grown with me, and there's a responsibility to portray her depth properly," she shared.
The voice cast also includes a robust ensemble featuring Akorede Bobo, Korede Lawal, Fiyin Asenuga, and Maryam Ibrahim Yarkasa.
Korede Lawal, portraying Bilintang, described his character as morally complicated, moving beyond conventional villain stereotypes. "With Bilintang, there's an intriguing moral dilemma at play. He's not malevolent without reason; he's defending his own multiverse," he explained while articulating how this role shapes his view of storytelling.
"It marks my inaugural experience in voice acting for a feature film, which adds to the significance of this role in my career," he added.
Written by Emmanuella Amidu, the series is a testament to a collaborative mother-daughter effort. Originating while studying abroad, the story embodies themes of identity, resilience, and African cultural nuances, crucial for youths traversing diverse global societies.
Returning at the helm is director Adebisi Adetayo, who previously directed the original film. This collaboration aims to merge local storytelling with global production techniques.
Released in 2020, 'Lady Buckit & the Motley Mopsters' is celebrated as a landmark in Nigerian animation, featuring talents such as Jessica Edwards, Bimbo Akintola, Patrick Doyle, Bola Edwards, and Kalu Ikeagwu.
The original film received multiple accolades, including Best Animation at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and has been showcased at various international film festivals.
Continuing this legacy, 'Secrets of the Multiverse' is currently in development with an aim for a 2026 launch on leading streaming platforms, pending an official release date announcement. The series promises high-stakes adventures tempered with moral challenges and culturally significant narratives, further solidifying Nigeria's position in the global animation landscape.
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