🔗 Share this article Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights. Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. 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. The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions. He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Historical Context of Comedy Program The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab 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 targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters. Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s Cancelled 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. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos. In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear begins another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Company Statements The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of court action. Avalon has been contacted for comment.