🔗 Share this article

For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

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

Background Information of Comedy Program

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

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 duo also announce an advert 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.