🔗 Share this article Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial. However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property. Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success. Disputed Characterization Particulars The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays 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 disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out. Historical Context of Comedy Program The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies. The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox Lasted two series before being cancelled again Digital Transformation Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content. In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The duo also present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear begins another section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Company Statements The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings. Avalon has been contacted for comment.