Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent depiction 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 control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for 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 appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 segment by commenting: "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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
