Courtroom Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
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 created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also announce an commercial 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
StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
