🔗 Share this article

Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate 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 British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

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

This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes 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 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 premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

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

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, 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 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 advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.