Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 subsequently 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 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
