Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning 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 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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created 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 excessively genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."
He later says the key 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 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.