Legal Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches to a generic South American accent before shouting: "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 episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by various 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 – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform 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, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts 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
The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
