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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

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

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail 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 tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins 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 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.

In the premiere episode, viewed 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 key 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 segment 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.