Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
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 appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss 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 first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then changes 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 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 shown inhaling a white powder before apparently 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 popular collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked 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 most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, 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 later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another segment 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 issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
