Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
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 drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a generic 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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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 section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.