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

Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

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

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.

He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

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 recommended content.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 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

The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.