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Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. 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.

This production includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured 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 streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 pair also present an commercial 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."

Official Responses

The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.