🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Spitting Image Production Company Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging. However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights. Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio StudioCanal, responsible for the successful 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, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success. Disputed Characterization Particulars The program is presented 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 prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations. He then switches to a generic 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 end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out. Historical Context of Satirical Show The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies. The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being cancelled again Platform Adaptation Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 subsequently says the secret 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 begins 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 StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action. Avalon has been reached out to for response.