Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program 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 portrays 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 duo also announce an advert 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 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.
