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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

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

Court Action Launched Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

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

The show includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.

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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created 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 – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 subsequently says the secret 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 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 matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for response.