Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss 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 first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then changes to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
