Legal Dispute Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then switches to a generic 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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair 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 observing: "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 issue was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.