Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering 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 design right issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays 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 chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, 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 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 segment by commenting: "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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.