Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.
He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You probably 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 segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing billionaire to go to Mars. "You are too much genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."
He later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another segment by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
