Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal

Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – 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 too much for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches 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 presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial 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

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.