🔗 Share this article Legal Battle Erupts as Spitting Image Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging. However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights. Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show features segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations. He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 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 apparently losing consciousness. Historical Context of Comedy Program The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered 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 signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters. Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned 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. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content. In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The pair also present an advert 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." Company Statements StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action. Avalon has been contacted for response.