Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then changes to a stereotypical 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts produced 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 subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 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 segment by commenting: "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 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 response.
