Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.
He then switches to a generic South American accent before shouting: "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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the end of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered 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 long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
In the first show, watched more than half a million 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 subsequently 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 begins another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
