EXCLUSIVE: Oscar winner and music icon Cher and Live Aid founder Bob Geldof are in talks to voice Australian animated feature Fly Squad — First Strike!

Written and produced by Australian filmmaker Anthony Maley, the project follows three unlikely insect heroes who infiltrate a vast human chemical fortress in search of an antidote to a toxin threatening the survival of their world.

Cher is in talks to voice the mother of the film’s central protagonist, while Geldof is in talks for the role of a legendary insect rock star and organizer of “Insect Aid”.

The independently developed animated comedy is looking to tap into Australia’s tax incentives and is currently in the packaging phase following meetings in LA and northern California. Talks are in process with additional talent.

Negotiations for Cher and Geldof are being handled by London-based Kruger Cowne Management, whose CEO Mark Cowne is co-founder with Cher of animal charity Free The World. The project is said to have struck a chord with Cher and Cowne as a fun way to highlight species preservation.

Cher’s last movie role came back in 2018 with hit musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, where she played Ruby Sheridan.

“From our first introduction to Fly Squad – First Strike! we recognized its strong commercial potential and unique creative vision,” said Mark Cowne. “We’re delighted to be involved as the project continues to build momentum. Not only is it a strong creative concept but it also does a lot to highlight critically important ecological issues to a young audience.”

“We developed Fly Squad – First Strike! as a theatrical property designed for global audiences,” added Maley. “The calibre of talent and production partners engaging with the project has exceeded our expectations and reinforces our belief that there is significant demand for original animated franchises capable of competing on the world stage.”