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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate 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 take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is hosted 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 actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent 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 most likely 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 seemingly losing consciousness.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

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

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

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.