David Walliams' children's book FING becomes Sky film
- Fing, the 2019 children's book by David Walliams, is being made into a film for Sky Cinema
- Taika Waititi, Mia Wasikowska, Penelope Wilton and Blake Harrison feature on the cast list alongside newcomer Iona Bell as young Myrtle
- Walliams 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"
Sky are in production on FING, a film adaptation of the 2019 children's book by David Walliams.
Jojo Rabbit star Taika Waititi features, with Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland), Penelope Wilton (After Life), David Walliams, Richard Roxburgh and Robyn Nevin. There's also roles for The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison and newcomer Iona Bell.
The project is described as an "ambitious screen adaptation" of the book, with the "wild family adventure" set to be released on Sky Cinema.
Principal filming has commenced at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane. Written by Walliams and Kevin Cecil, FING 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.
Penelope Wilton plays the Viscount's Nanny, Richard Roxburgh the Bank Manager, with Robyn Nevin supporting as Chief Librarian.
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 says he was immediately drawn to the script due to his love of films with humour at the heart. "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."
Andrew Orr comments: "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."
Jo Sargent, who is producing the movie, says: "David and I have always known FING had potential to be an incredibly cinematic story. Director Jeffrey Walker and co-producer Todd Fellman have shared our vision from day one and it's been wonderful to work alongside their world class crew in Queensland as we create the creature and story we know and love."