🔗 Share this article Courtroom Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging. However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property. Court Action Initiated Against Production Company The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success. Disputed Characterization Particulars The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent 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 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 segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Historical Context of Comedy Program The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched 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 signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters. Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being cancelled again Platform Adaptation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through 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 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 pair also announce 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." Company Statements StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action. Avalon has been contacted for response.