Courtroom Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal

Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization 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 declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes to a generic 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

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

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection 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 rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform 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, designed to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins another section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.