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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

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 declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.

He then switches to a stereotypical 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 chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.