Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, 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 production company and rights holders that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest 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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
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 signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- 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, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, 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 excessively 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 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."
Company Statements
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 contacted for comment.