David Walliams has reportedly been removed from the upcoming film The Road to Nevermore amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. The casting report follows the end of his long publishing relationship with HarperCollins.
An unnamed source close to the production told TMZ on October 28 that Walliams had appeared on a preliminary cast list but never signed an official contract.
The 55-year-old comedian became known through Little Britain, which he created with Matt Lucas, before spending a decade judging Britain’s Got Talent. His children’s books also became another major part of his career.
Walliams strongly denies inappropriate behavior. In a December 2025 statement, his representative said HarperCollins had not informed him of the allegations, involved him in an investigation or given him an opportunity to answer questions. The spokesperson said he was taking legal advice.
The Film Is a Road Comedy Directed by Jane Spencer
UK comedian David Walliams was removed from a movie amid misconduct allegations, according to a TMZ report
https://t.co/6eHfSngxv7— JustJared.com (@JustJared) October 30, 2026
Filming was still in its early stages, according to TMZ’s source. The outlet contacted his representatives but did not include a response in its published report.
The project was announced earlier this year as a comedy written and directed by Jane Spencer. In May, Deadline reported that William Baldwin and Leo Gregory had signed on, with Irish actor Jack McEvoy also attached.
The story follows two Irish poets who travel to the Swiss Alps seeking spiritual enlightenment. Their encounters eventually lead them to a strange town where poetry is forbidden and time appears to repeat. Producer Mark Forstater, whose credits include Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is among those developing the film.
HarperCollins Ended New Books Before Dropping His Backlist
HarperCollins announced on December 19, 2025, that it would no longer publish new titles by Walliams. The decision followed reporting by The Telegraph about allegations concerning his conduct toward junior female employees.
According to Sky News, the publisher said the decision followed consideration under its new chief executive. It also said it took employee wellbeing seriously and had procedures for reporting and investigating concerns, while declining to discuss internal matters.
On September 18, 2026, The Bookseller reported that HarperCollins had also dropped his existing catalog. Remaining print stock would be phased out, alongside e-book and audiobook editions.
The company had published Walliams since his 2008 children’s debut, The Boy in the Dress. His books, including Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide, and several have been adapted for television.
In September, Deadline reported that YMU was no longer actively representing Walliams. An unnamed source attributed the change to amicable talks in early 2026. The agency, which had handled his television interests, had not severed ties with him, according to that report. At the time, Independent Talent Group continued to oversee his literary work.