Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company
StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered 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 signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.
- Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Platform Adaptation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
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 too much genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."
He subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."
The pair 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."
Official Responses
The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
