Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind 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 media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than half a million 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also present an advert 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
