Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, 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 drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "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 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 shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
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 500,000 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 subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another segment 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 refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
