Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this new 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 excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
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 declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest 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 inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action 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 launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 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 commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.