Courtroom Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent 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 segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured 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 discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another segment 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 could not comment as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
