🔗 Share this article Legal Dispute Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Portrayal For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging. However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property. Court Action Launched Against Production Company The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success. Disputed Characterization Details The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions. 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 starring role 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 snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Background Information of Satirical Show The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various media companies. The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters. Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox Lasted two series before being cancelled again Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 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 key 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 commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Official Responses The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action. Avalon has been contacted for comment.