Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a stereotypical 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 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 starts 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
