Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows 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 political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then switches 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 chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered 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 targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 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 commenting: "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 subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
