Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the hit 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 publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.
He then changes 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another segment by commenting: "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 matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
