Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, 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 discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.
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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created by various 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 targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the first show, 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 too much 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 present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
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.