Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode

For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this new depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, 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, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show 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 award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then switches 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 starring role 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 inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also present 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.