Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.
Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.
Court Action Initiated Against Production Company
The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.
Disputed Characterization Details
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 declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.
He then switches to a generic 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.
Historical Context of Satirical Show
The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab 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 long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Platform Adaptation
Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.
In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 subsequently says the key 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 begins 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 matter was the subject of court action.
Avalon has been reached out to for response.
