Legal Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode

Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss 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 premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes 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 end of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked 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 one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation 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 premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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 declined to comment. A representative 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.