Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Studio
The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches to a stereotypical 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 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 inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created by multiple 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.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear begins another section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Official Responses
The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
