Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You most likely remember me from the films Paddington, Paddington 2 and Paddington in Peru. I also had a major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the end of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative billionaire to go to Mars. "You are excessively genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."
He subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
