Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal

Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering 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 production company and estate that own the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for 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 drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

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

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

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 pair 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 observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

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.