🔗 Share this article Legal Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Production Company Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Episode For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property. Court Action Initiated Against Studio The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation. A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Details The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations. He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling 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 successful collection 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 rich history of offending its targets – usually 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 waned Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Platform Adaptation Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos. In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The duo also present an advert 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 The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings. Avalon has been reached out to for comment.