Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode

Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really 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 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection 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 rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 secret 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."

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 reached out to for response.