🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Faces Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Episode Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property. Court Action Initiated Against Production Company The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production features segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Details The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning 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 most likely 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out. Historical Context of Satirical Show The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies. The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters. Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Continued for two series before being cancelled again Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos. In the first show, watched more than 500,000 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 later 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 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 The film company refused 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 contacted for comment.