Courtroom Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a generic 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 seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series 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 platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 starts 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
The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
