EXCLUSIVE: U.S. buyer Angel has acquired U.S. rights from AGC Studios to Taika Waititi family film Fing!, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.

Angel, which operates an audience-driven model, has been taking on higher profile titles in the past 12 months and this is the latest in that mould after the company initially made waves a few years ago with Sound Of Freedom.

Starring with Oscar winner Waititi are Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland), Richard Roxburgh (Elvis), Penelope Wilton (Downton), Blake Harrison (I Hate Suzie Too), Robyn Nevin (Sting), newcomer Iona Bell (The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping) and Matt Lucas (Doctor Who) as the voice of Fing.

The movie is being lined up for a wide theatrical release in early 2027.

The synopsis reads: “Librarians Mr. and Mrs. Meek, (Harrison and Wasikowska) dote on their daughter, Myrtle (Bell) and will do anything to keep her happy but she always wants more! When Myrtle demands a Fing, her parents embark on a perilous jungle quest, racing to claim the creature before a ruthless animal park owner, The Viscount (Waititi) can seize it for himself.”

Jeffrey Walker (Apple Cider Vinegar) directs from a screenplay by Emmy winner Kevin Cecil (Gnomeo & Juliet) and three-time BAFTA winner David Walliams based on his original book.

The film is an Australian UK co-production, produced by Jo Sargent from London-based King Bert Productions, and Todd Fellman from Queensland’s Story Bridge Films. Executive producers are Walliams, Craig McMahon, Kevin Cecil, Yvonne Sellins, Stuart Ford, Miguel A. Palos Jr., Aghi D. Koh, Andrew Orr, Julia Stuart, Janay Carrott, Shana Levine, Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor.

AGC Studios co-financed and are handling worldwide sales; Transmission Films will release theatrically in ANZ, with Stan premiering as a Stan Original on SVOD. Sky also financed and will premiere the film in the UK as a Sky Original on Sky Cinema. Additional financing was provided by Elevate Production Finance and Bondit Media Capital.

Angel’s recent acquisitions include Andy Serkis’ Animal Farm, action-thriller Runner with Owen Wilson and Alan Ritchson, The Brink of War, with Jeff Daniels, Jared Harris, and J.K. Simmons; comedy Solo Mio starring Kevin James; and Young Washington. The company rebranded last year from Angel Studios to Angel.

The company revealed to us late last year that its guild membership program has surpassed two million paying subscribers. The guild is the studio’s grassroots membership program. Members pay a monthly fee and serve as virtual ‘co-producers’ on every project, and also are given a say on which projects the studio pursues.

“Fing! Is exactly the kind of fantastical, joy-filled adventure the Angel Guild was made to champion,” said David Fischer, vice president of acquisitions and business affairs at Angel, formerly known as Angel Studios. “When our community of families vote with this level of enthusiasm, we listen. We couldn’t be more excited to bring it to audiences across America alongside our partners at AGC Studios.”

AGC’s Stuart Ford added: “We and our partners on Fing! are tremendously excited at the prospect of Angel Studios demonstrating their proven reach with family audiences across America and bringing their uniquely targeted releasing approach to the film which has unfailingly charmed audiences everywhere we’ve played it.”