Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces 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 creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt 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 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 secret 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 segment by commenting: "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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
