David Walliams' forthcoming family film Fing! has been dropped by its UK distributor, Sky, following sexual misconduct allegations against the 55-year-old comedian. His cameo appearance has been edited out of the movie.
Fing! is a live-action family adventure film adapted from Walliams' 2019 children's book of the same title. He co-wrote the script and appears in the film alongside Taika Waititi and Mia Wasikowska, while Matt Lucas provides the voice of Fing. The film was slated for release in the UK by Sky Original early next year.
Removal from the Film
The producers of Fing! announced they have completely removed Walliams' appearance from the final cut of the film, as reported by the Washington Post. Sky TV, the UK and Ireland licensee and primary distributor, confirmed they will no longer distribute or broadcast the film, according to the BBC.
Additionally, the producers stated that Walliams will have absolutely "no involvement in the film's release or promotion." Because he co-wrote the script based on his own book, Walliams' name remains on the writing credits, but he will receive zero professional or promotional backing moving forward.
Film's Future Uncertain
The film itself is currently in limbo and may never reach audiences in the UK now that its major distributor has abandoned it, as reported by the Sun.
Walliams has been identified as the male celebrity at the centre of sexual misconduct allegations after his attempt to secure a High Court injunction was thrown out, the Daily Star reported. The TV star had tried and failed to prevent the claims against him from being published in the media.
Legal Battle Unsuccessful
Walliams had brought legal action against Independent Television News (ITN), which produces news programmes for ITV, Channel 4, Good Morning Britain and Channel 5, and Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian. However, his legal battle failed.
In a ruling on November 3, Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed Walliams' bid for an injunction, ruling it would be an "exceptionally serious interference" with freedom of expression.
