🔗 Share this article

For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread 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 first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes to a generic 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 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 seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts created 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 subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins another section 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 matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.