Legal Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The show is presented 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 voices the character in recent movie versions.
He then changes to a generic 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 conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived 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 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 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 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 were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
