Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for 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 high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
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 really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.
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 conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 subsequently 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 begins another section 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
