Legal Dispute Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, behind 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 media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays 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 most likely 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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created 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 subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 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 section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Official Responses
StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
