Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
The program is presented by a typical 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 award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.
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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."
At the conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.
Historical Context of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Lasted two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The duo also announce an advert 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for comment.
