🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging. Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights. Court Action Initiated Against Production Company The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The program is hosted 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 award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations. He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Historical Context of Satirical Show The legal proceedings 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 launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending 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 Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Platform Adaptation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content. In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 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 section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Company Statements 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.