Legal Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode

Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before exclaiming: "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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to 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 encourages 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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."

Company Statements

The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.