Courtroom Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.
He then switches to a generic 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 major part 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 snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months 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 signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 subsequently says the secret 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
StudioCanal refused 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 comment.
