🔗 Share this article Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Faces Legal Action Over Beloved Character Episode For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging. Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property. Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success. Disputed Characterization Particulars The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations. He then switches 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 end of the episode, 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 marked a new chapter 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 viewing figures declined Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Continued for two series before being discontinued once more Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos. In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The duo 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 observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Official Responses StudioCanal declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action. Avalon has been contacted for response.