Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
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 control the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then switches to a stereotypical 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 shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
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 produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was among 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 discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse 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 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 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson 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.
