Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.
He then changes 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 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 snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable 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 upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, 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 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 duo also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."
The bear starts another segment 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
