Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and estate that control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the successful 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 legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document 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, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Controversial Portrayal Details
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches 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 episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings 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 adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 starts another segment by observing: "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 could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
