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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right concerns. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

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

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes to a stereotypical 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various 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
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 subsequently says the key 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 section by observing: "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 issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.