🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial. However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights. Court Action Launched Against Production Company The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous 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 premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations. He then changes to a generic 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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out. Historical Context of Satirical Show The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable 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 upsetting its subjects – 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 waned Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos. In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The pair also present 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." Official Responses StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of court action. Avalon has been contacted for response.