Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices 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 probably 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown 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 poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run 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
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce 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 reached out to for comment.
