Taika Waititi, David Walliams to bring live-action FING! to Brisbane

A star-studded cast is set to bring a beloved children’s book to life by renowned author David Walliams, with production having kicked off in Brisbane.

Taika Waititi as The Viscount in upcoming production of FING!. Photos: King Bert Productions

A beloved children's book is set to be transformed into a live-action feature film with a star-studded cast, shot right here in Brisbane.

David Walliams’ FING! explores the tale of a spoiled young girl Myrtle (newcomer Iona Bell), who despite having everything she could dream of and more, won’t be happy until she has a rare, destructive creature called a ‘FING’ and sets off on a jungle adventure to find it.

Her journey is met with the greatest challenge of all, a perilous battle with an evil animal park owner, The Viscount (Taika Waititi), who wants the creature all to himself.

David Walliams' children's book FING!. Photo: Supplied

The star-studded, global cast features the likes of Mia Wasikowska, known for her work portraying Alice in the live-action remake of Alice in Wonderland, Penelope Wilton from Downtown Abbey and Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison, alongside Bell, Waititi and Williams himself.

David Walliams and Iona Bell on set for upcoming production of FING!. Photos: King Bert Productions

“FING!, secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, has commenced filming at the Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, and will have a cinematic release before premiering as a Stan Original in Australia and New Zealand and as a Sky Original in the UK.”

As an official Australian/UK co-production between London-based King Bert Productions and Queensland’s Story Bridge Films, the adaptation will go further to cementing Queensland as a production powerhouse on the international stage.

Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the film would employ more than 300 Queenslander’s and pump approximately $16 million into the state economy.

“David Walliams’ FING! is beloved by children around the world, and it’s incredible to see our Production Attraction Strategy supporting renowned Queensland creatives as they bring it to life on the big screen,” he said.

Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey) as Nanny in upcoming production of FING!. Photos: King Bert Productions

“FING! joins recent blockbuster announcements including Voltron, Anaconda and Bluey, which really demonstrates Queensland’s growing reputation as a global film and animation powerhouse.”

The team behind the screens is just as impressive as those on the screens, co-written by Walliams and Emmy award-winning Kevin Celil, and directed by Jeffrey Walker, the man behind recent Netflix success Apple Cider Vinegar.