Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then changes to a generic 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 seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular 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 rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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."
Official Responses
The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
