Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread 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 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 later says the key 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 segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Official Responses
The film company 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 reached out to for comment.
