Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British 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 legal document omits the particulars 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 includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a generic 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting 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 multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million 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 later says the secret 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 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 refused 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 reached out to for comment.
