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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

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

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, 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.

This production features segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted 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 award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection 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 rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.

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

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

The bear starts 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 refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.