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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt 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 recent movie versions.

He then changes to a generic 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 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 inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending 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 streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins another segment 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 court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.