🔗 Share this article Courtroom Battle Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. However, 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. Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining. A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, 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 Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest 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 end of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Historical Context of Satirical Show The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced 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 upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Digital Transformation Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The pair also announce an advert 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." Company Statements StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action. Avalon has been contacted for comment.