Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars 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 includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest 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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually 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 streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 subsequently 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
The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
