🔗 Share this article Legal Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property. Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success. Disputed Characterization Details 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 really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations. 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos." At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting 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 stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies. The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually 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 waned 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, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the first show, watched more than half a million 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 advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear begins another segment 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 refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings. Avalon has been contacted for response.