Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal

Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then changes to a generic 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 shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

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

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 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 later 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 begins another segment by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for response.