Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode

Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

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

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics 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 includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then switches to a generic 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 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 losing consciousness.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful 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 long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

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

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 secret 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 begins 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

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.