Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul 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.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, 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 legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes 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 unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a stereotypical 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 chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks 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 signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted 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 appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 later says the key 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 section 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
