Legal Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.
Court Action Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "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 shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced 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 offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for 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, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
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 too much genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."
He later 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 starts another segment by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."
Company Statements
StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
