Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
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 own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.
He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You most likely 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 episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular 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 rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to 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 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo 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."
Company Statements
StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
