Courtroom Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, 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 control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features 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 presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.
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 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 apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting 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 waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 present an commercial 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
