Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.
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 end of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing billionaire to go to Mars. "You are too much genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."
He later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts 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
StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
