Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering 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 excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches to a generic South American accent before shouting: "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 chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.
In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair also present an advert 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
StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been contacted for response.
