Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is presented 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 actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a stereotypical 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the end of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting 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 poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair 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."
Company Statements
StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
