Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, 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 control the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.
He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You most likely 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 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 key 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."
Company Statements
The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
