Jessica Edwards Embraces Dual Role as Adesua Etomi Leads in Secrets of the Multiverse
For 16-year-old actress Jessica Edwards, the opportunity to portray two distinct characters in the upcoming sci-fi series Secrets of the Multiverse has proven to be an immensely challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience, blending enjoyment with significant creative exploration.
Series Overview and Cast Details
Secrets of the Multiverse serves as a spin-off from the acclaimed animated film Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters, which premiered in 2020. Executive producer Blessing Amidu first announced the project in 2025, revealing a 13-part science fiction adventure that follows two children who inadvertently enter a multiverse. They find themselves trapped in a perilous realm where their decisions could ultimately determine the fate of their entire world. Faced with an extinction-level threat, the young protagonists must courageously navigate multiple realities to protect everything they cherish.
Jessica Edwards, who originally captivated audiences as Bukky in the first film, reprises her role in this new series. This time, she delivers a compelling dual performance, portraying both the heroic protagonist and her darker, more intense counterpart. Nollywood superstar Adesua Etomi leads the ensemble cast as Iyabo, bringing considerable depth to the role of a devoted mother within the sci-fi narrative. The supporting cast includes talented actors such as Fiyin Asenuga, Akorede Bobo, Korede Lawal, and Maryam Yarkasa, alongside screenwriter Emmanuella Amidu.
With production already actively underway, the series is poised to significantly expand the imaginative universe established by its predecessor. Plans are in place for a release on major streaming platforms, aiming to reach a global audience.
Insights from Jessica Edwards on Her Dual Performance
Reflecting on her unique dual role, Edwards explained that the experience allowed her to explore character development on a much deeper and more nuanced level. "What interests me most is the growth of Bukky compared to the first film—how she has matured and how she navigates between being heroic and vulnerable while trying to save her world," she stated. She further emphasized that the multiverse concept stands out as one of the most exciting aspects of the series. "It shows that even though we come from different backgrounds with different perspectives, we are still fundamentally the same. There are many versions of Bukky in this story, but they are all still Bukky."
Regarding the practicalities of playing two roles, Edwards described it as both liberating and demanding. "It gave me the freedom to shape each character in unique ways. At times, the characters overlap, which makes it challenging. Playing the stronger, more intense version of Bukky was especially demanding compared to the regular one," she elaborated.
Adesua Etomi on Her Role and Cultural Significance
Adesua Etomi, portraying the character Iyabo, described her role as that of a caring mother who shares a strong, unbreakable bond with her child. "What drew me to this project is that it is made by Africans, for Africans, and Nigerians, with the intention of sharing it with the world," she remarked. Beyond mere entertainment, Etomi highlighted that the story's embedded moral values significantly influenced her decision to join the project. "It's important for me to be involved in projects that teach values, especially for children. If we don't teach our kids, others will. I want to be part of something I can confidently recommend to my children and others."
Etomi also stressed the critical importance of culturally grounded storytelling. "I'm a Nigerian through and through. My character is a typical Nigerian mother, and we are telling our story with our voice and accent," she added, underscoring the authenticity of the narrative.
Call for Government Support in Nigerian Animation
Looking toward the future of animation in Nigeria, Etomi issued a strong call for greater institutional and governmental support. "It's important for the government to invest in the film sector—especially animation and Nollywood as a whole. The industry has grown on the strength of individuals for years, but in other countries, there is structured support for filmmaking," she asserted, advocating for enhanced infrastructure and funding to bolster the creative industry's growth and sustainability.
