Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then changes 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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 announce an advert 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 refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
