Zac Power Leaps from Page to Screen in New Australian Animated Feature Film
L-R: Parker Little; Kylie Cantrall; Matt Lucas
Australia’s animation industry is set to deliver its next global family hit with Zac Power, a brand-new animated feature film produced by three 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, Kazoops, Bottersnikes & Gumbles), in association with Pixel Zoo Animation Studios (Rainbow World, L.O.L. SURPRISE). Major production investment is provided by Screen Australia, in association with 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 Film 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 in association with Pixel Zoo Animation Studios. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with 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.
© 2025 Flying Bark Productions Pty Ltd, Cheeky Little Media Pty Ltd, Pixel Zoo Pty Ltd, Screen Australia, Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
For interview requests, please contact:
Georgia Kinninmont | georgia.kinninmont@flyingbark.com.au | +61 430 355 295
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
About Flying Bark Productions
Flying Bark Productions is a prolific independent producer of family-focused animated content. With studio locations in Sydney, LA and Madrid, and partner studios all around the world, Flying Bark operates as a full-service production facility for award-winning original independent feature films and series as well providing world-class animation services for global clients.
Flying Bark continues to grow its world class animation team across CG, 2D and CG/2D hybrid productions. With over 600 employees, Flying Bark has quickly become one of the most sought-after studios around the world for traditional frame-by-frame and CG animation. Flying Bark is wholly owned by media and theme park group Studio 100 which is headquartered in Belgium. More information: www.flyingbark.com.au.
About Cheeky Little Media
Cheeky Little Media is an Australian producer of award-winning animated content for kids and family audiences worldwide. Founded as a creator-driven studio, Cheeky is well known for original series incubation, including VEGESAURS which is currently heading into a fourth season in partnership with ABC and BBC. Other shows include KANGAROO BEACH, KAZOOPS! and SPONGO, FUZZ & JALAPENA.
The studio handles all aspects of development through production and delivery, and also manages their IP internationally through their Cheeky Little Commercial division creating multiple points of consumer engagement to build brands. Cheeky Little is actively producing content for all platforms from traditional linear series and specials, to feature films and YouTube content. More information can be found at their website: www.cheekylittle.com.au.
About Pixel Zoo Animation Studios
Australia’s Pixel Zoo Animation Studios is a leading service provider of world-class animation for clients around the globe. The Brisbane-based independent studio, whose parent company is MGA Studios, boasts a team of over 200 skilled artists, producers and technicians contributing to the studio's reputation for a robust pipeline built to accommodate a wide range of styles and project scopes resulting in high quality, visually stunning entertainment for kids and families. Among Pixel Zoo's clients are Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Spin Master, eOne and Moonbug Entertainment. The studio's new Pixel Labs creative content arm of the company is developing original content, establishing new co-production deals and optioning books and graphic novels for film, television series, digital and YouTube.
About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com.