Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
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 radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent 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 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 disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 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 starts another segment 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
