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Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest 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 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 snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes 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 subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins another section 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.