Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings 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 radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then changes to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another section 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 could not comment as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.