Courtroom Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.
Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The program is presented 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 really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest 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 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 episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Satirical Show
The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.
The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
- Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.
In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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 section 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
