Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable 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 long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. 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 speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also present 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."
Official Responses
StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.