Courtroom Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.
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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson 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 response.
