🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging. Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights. Legal Proceedings Initiated 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 created Paddington's radical reimagining. A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Details The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions. He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos." At the conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Background Information of Satirical Show The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts created 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 treasured children's characters. Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Digital Transformation Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse recommended content. In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear starts another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Official Responses The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings. Avalon has been reached out to for response.