Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then changes 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 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."
Official Responses
The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
