It has not been a great time for Taika Waititi? It feels like everything the New Zealander touches these days is cursed, and his newest project is no exception. One of his next appearances was supposed to be in a family-friendly fantasy movie adapted from a popular children’s book, with a cast that included several familiar faces. Unfortunately, the production has now found itself caught up in a controversy unrelated to its leading man, and its release plans have taken a significant hit.
Waititi‘s upcoming fantasy film Fing! has officially lost its UK and Ireland distributor, with Sky confirming that it intends to withdraw from the project following serious allegations against author and screenwriter David Walliams. The decision comes after a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News reported allegations of inappropriate behavior involving teenage girls and young women.
The film, which stars Waititi alongside Mia Wasikowska and Iona Bell, is based on Walliams‘ bestselling children’s novel. Walliams also co-wrote the screenplay and had filmed a cameo appearance, but the producers have now confirmed that his scene has been removed and that he will have no involvement in promoting or releasing the movie. In a statement to Variety, the producers explained:
“We take the allegations reported regarding David Walliams seriously. Our thoughts are with anyone who has been affected. We have removed his cameo appearance from Fing!, and he will have no involvement in the film’s release or promotion.”
Sky, which was set to release the film as one of its originals, has also announced its intention to abandon its distribution agreement. A spokesperson said:
“The allegations made against David Walliams are extremely serious. We have notified the producers of the film of our intention to exit our position as the U.K. & Ireland licensee of Fing.”
What Has David Walliams Been Accused Of?
Walliams, who is a well-established British entertainment figure thanks to his work as a children’s author as well as the co-creator and star of Little Britain, and as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, has just lost a long, and heavily publicized legal battle to prevent his name from being published by the English and Welsh press in relation to sexual misconduct. Walliams has been accused of grooming teenage girls and sexually harassing young women, according to a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News published on November 10, 2026. The allegations concern his interactions with fans, including girls reportedly as young as 15, as well as women he encountered professionally. They are allegations, not established criminal findings.
Fing! remains scheduled for a US theatrical release through Angel Studios on January 14, 2027. Its UK and Ireland release plans are currently unresolved.
via Collider