🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Paddington Bear Episode For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging. Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the character's rights. Court Action Initiated Against Production Company StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British 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 legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions. He then switches 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos." At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Historical Context of Comedy Program The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies. The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative billionaire to go to Mars. "You are excessively genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share." He later 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 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings. Avalon has been reached out to for comment.