Legal Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode
Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.
Nevertheless, 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 character's rights.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company
StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.
A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.
The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.
Disputed Characterization Particulars
The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.
He then switches 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly 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 produced by various media companies.
The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.
- Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
- Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
- Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
- Continued for two series before being discontinued once more
Digital Transformation
Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.
In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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."
Official Responses
The film company refused 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.
