A setback has hit one of Taika Waititi’s upcoming film projects. The fantasy feature Fing! has lost its U.K. distributor after sexual harassment allegations were made against its co-writer David Walliams.
Sky confirmed that it would leave its position as the film’s U.K. and Ireland licensee. According to Variety, a spokesperson stated, “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.’”
Fing! is based on Walliams’ children’s book. He co-wrote the screenplay and appears alongside Waititi and Mia Wasikowska. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was promoted as a Sky Original, with a U.K. release planned for early 2027. Sky’s exit leaves those plans uncertain.
A joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News reported allegations that Walliams groomed fans, including girls as young as 15, and pressured young women to meet him or take part in sexual activity. Walliams, who vehemently denies all allegations of wrongdoing, failed to obtain an injunction against publication of the report. The BBC has removed shows starring or written by him, including Little Britain, while his agency, Independent Talent Group, dropped him.
What is next for Taika Waititi?
The setback comes as Waititi faces questions about several projects. His planned Star Wars movie, announced in 2020, has been put on ice while he and writer Tony McNamara work on another project. According to Waititi, the pause may not be permanent, but the film has no confirmed production timeline.
He has also faced a difficult response to his latest release, Klara and the Sun, starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. After critics gave the film a 26% score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with its 74% audience score, Waititi criticized reviewers on Instagram. He called critics “irrelevant,” “out of touch,” and “obsolete,” adding that he listens to audiences instead.
Waititi still has another major project ahead. He voices Willy Wonka in Netflix’s Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory, scheduled to reach theaters on November 5, 2027, before arriving on the streaming service on December 22. Kate Winslet and Helena Bonham Carter are also part of the cast.
For now, Fing! has no confirmed replacement distributor or revised U.K. release date. Its producers have yet to announce what comes next.
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