L-R: Parker Little; Matt Lucas; Kylie Cantrall

Australia’s animation industry is set to deliver its next global family hit with Zac Power, a brand-new animated feature film produced by two of the country’s most celebrated studios, Flying Bark Productions (Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, 100% Wolf), and Cheeky Little Media (Kangaroo Beach, Vegesaurs), with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Pixel Zoo (Rainbow World, L.O.L. SURPRISE) and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).

Based on the immensely popular Zac Power book series from Hardie Grant Publishing - which has sold more than 3.5 million books in Australia and New Zealand and has been published in 14 countries - the film brings the beloved teenage spy to life on the big screen for the very first time. Set to be a family favourite spy spoof brimming with action, comedy and heart, Zac Power will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Paramount Pictures, with Studio 100 managing international sales.

“We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Flying Bark and Cheeky Little on this exciting new project. Zac Power is a beloved character across Australia and New Zealand, and his enduring popularity was a key reason this opportunity immediately captured our interest. Beyond its well-established fan base, the film’s cutting-edge animation and cinematic storytelling make it truly stand out. We’re confident Zac Power has all the ingredients to become a successful theatrical event for family audiences,” said Brian Pritchett, VP & Managing Director Paramount Pictures Australasia.

Leading the voice cast is rising star Parker Little (Apples Never Fall, The Bureau of Magical Things, Heart of the Man), stepping into his first animated role as teenage superspy Zac Power. Expressing his excitement for the project, Little stated:

“Zac Power has been in my life for as long as I can remember. My friends and I could never get enough of his adventures as we navigated junior school. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this character to life for a new generation, and hopefully inspire more kids to pick up the books.”

Little is joined by BAFTA-winning comedian, actor, presenter and author Matt Lucas (Little Britain, Paddington, Doctor Who) as the flamboyant villain Kev the Conjuror, whose flair for theatrical chaos resonated with Lucas himself:

“It’s such a fun story, and I love the anarchic, villainous nature of Kev, and the fact that we see his origins, and get to know why he is the way he is. And like Kev, I am also a terrible magician!”

They are joined by an ensemble of international and Australian talent, including multihyphenate actress, singer and songwriter, Kylie Cantrall (Ron’s Gone Wrong, Spidey and His Amazing Friends) who shared what drew her to her character:

“I'm so excited to be playing the role of Mica in Zac Power. She’s a book-smart, disciplined, ‘following the rules’ Super Spy…which is literally all of the things I wish I was. Haha I read the script and I was immediately like ‘I’m soooo in’!!!”

Multi-award-winning actor, writer and director Leah Purcell (The Legend of Molly Johnson, Wentworth, High Country) and AFI and Logie winner David Wenham (Peter Rabbit, Moulin Rouge!, Lord of the Rings) are also confirmed for the cast, with Purcell mentioning her family connection to the story:

"Voicing a character in Zac Power was an exciting first for me in animation. Knowing the books through my grandsons made it even more enjoyable to bring this adventurous story to life."

While Wenham detailed why he loves working on animated projects:

“Voicing animation is one of the greatest pleasures of being an actor. The shackles are off and the only limits to a character’s creation is the actor’s imagination. It is one area of performing arts where it’s best to cut loose and be as silly or ridiculous as possible. I find voicing animation liberating and creatively extremely rewarding. Voicing Agent Papercut for Zac Powers was a pure delight!”

Rounding out the cast is two-time ACRA-winning radio announcer, TV presenter, multi-bestselling author and social media sensation, Tanya Hennessy, and Critic’s Choice Award Nominee, Ed Oxenbould (Wildlife, Combat Wombat, Puberty Blues).

The film follows Zac as he strives to maintain his position as the top teenage spy at GIB after the arrival of a new rival agent. With tongue-in-cheek humour, high-stakes adventure and a story that celebrates both individuality and teamwork, Zac Power promises to be a cinematic ride for the whole family.

Production credit: Zac Power is a Flying Bark and Cheeky Little Media production. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Pixel Zoo and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). ANZ distribution by Paramount Pictures. International sales by Studio 100 Film. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW and Screen Queensland. Based on the books by H.I. Larry.

For interview requests, please contact:
Georgia Kinninmont | georgia.kinninmont@flyingbark.com.au | +61 430 355 295

Zac Power Leaps from Page to Screen in New Australian Animated Feature Film

Tales from Outer Suburbia selected for CinefestOZ