Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode
Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.
However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.
A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Controversial Portrayal Particulars
The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.
He then changes to a stereotypical 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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.
Background Information of Comedy Program
The court action 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 launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being cancelled again
Digital Transformation
Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.
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 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 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 refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.
Avalon has been contacted for comment.
