Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices 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 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service 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 recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Official Responses
The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
