Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created 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 too much 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 announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
