Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss 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 premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection 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 rich history of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the first show, watched 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 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 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 refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
