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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.

Court Action 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 drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is hosted by a characteristic 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 adaptations.

He then switches to a stereotypical 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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

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

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

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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."

Company Statements

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.