Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is hosted by a characteristic 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 award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced 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.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 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 section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Official Responses
The film company refused 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.
