Taika Waititi to star in Sky’s adaptation of FING

Academy Award® winner, Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor Ragnarok), Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey), David Walliams (Little Britain), Richard Roxburgh (Elvis, Prosper) and Robyn Nevin (Sting, The End) and are set to star alongside Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners) and newcomer Iona Bell in an ambitious screen adaptation of David Walliams’ internationally bestselling children’s book, FING. The wild family adventure will be released on Sky Cinema in the UK.

The fantastical feature film is driven by a world-class creative team, co-written by Walliams and Kevin Cecil (Veep) with award winning director Jeffrey Walker (The Portable Door, The Artful Dodger) at the helm. Principal filming has commenced at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, Australia – secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.

The story follows librarians Mr. and Mrs. Meek, (Harrison and Wasikowska) who will do anything to keep their darling daughter, Myrtle (Bell), happy. But it’s not enough for Myrtle who always wants more, more, MORE! When Myrtle declares she wants a Fing, her parents have no choice but to track one down, taking them to the furthest and darkest corners of the jungle. Fing turns out to be as much as a destructive monster as Myrtle, who in turn, must battle it out with the evil animal park owner, The Viscount (Waititi), who is determined to own this rarest of creatures.

Renowned children’s author Walliams, who has sold over 60 million copies of his books in 55 languages, sold and published FING in 2019. Walliams, who plays Meryl’s headmaster in the film, says, “FING is such a fun and visual story with so many flights of fancy and I can’t wait to see it come to life on screen. To have Taika join the cast is absolutely thrilling as well. He’s a fantastic comedy performer, writer and director and I know he’ll have enormous fun playing the villainous role of the Viscount.”

Taika Waititi was immediately drawn to the script due to his love of films with humour at the heart. Waititi says, “When I read the script, I instantly felt David’s unique and quirky wit jump off the page. There’s a dark humour and edge to FING! and I’m excited to bring the eccentric Viscount to the screen.”

Sky’s Head of Original Film Andrew Orr, “We are absolutely delighted to bring David Walliams’ FING to the screen. With a bold cinematic vision, cutting-edge visual effects and a top-tier international cast and creative team, FING sets itself apart as the most ambitious screen adaptation of a David Walliams book to date. A visually spectacular adventure for the whole family, FING exemplifies our dedication in delivering high-quality entertainment to Sky audiences.”

Also joining the cast are Penelope Wilton as the Viscount’s Nanny and Richard Roxburgh as the Bank Manager, with Robyn Nevin supporting as Chief Librarian.