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Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

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

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You probably 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable 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 long tradition of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, viewed 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 key 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 begins another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.