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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.

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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts produced 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 popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

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

The bear starts another section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.