Courtroom Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
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 drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches 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 segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – 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 ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 subsequently says the key 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."
Company Statements
The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
