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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

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

The show features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.

He then switches 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 shown 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 popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple 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 – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform 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 browse recommended content.

In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 subsequently says the secret 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."

Company Statements

StudioCanal declined to comment. A spokesperson 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 response.