Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership 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.
The show includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
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 declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.
He then switches 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 segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – 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
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, viewed 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another section by observing: "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 representative 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 response.
