Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled 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
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts 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 issue was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
