🔗 Share this article Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging. Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights. Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals. Disputed Characterization Particulars The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really 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 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 snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out. Historical Context of Satirical Show The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced 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 offending 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 streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being cancelled again Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos. In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 later says the key 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 starts 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 declined to comment. A representative 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 response.