Courtroom Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
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 legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The program is hosted 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 award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.
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 chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection 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 offending its targets – typically 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 discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 duo 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 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 subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
