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Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail 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 sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program 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 recent movie versions.

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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced 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 upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 key 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 begins another section by observing: "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 were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.