Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 later 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
The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
