Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents 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 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 changes to a generic 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 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 losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched 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 cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo 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
The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
