Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal

Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that own the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes 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 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 shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million 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 later 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 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 issue was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.