Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another section by commenting: "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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
