Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent 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 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
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 launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended 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 adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another section by commenting: "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 were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
