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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making 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 estate that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail 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.

This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread 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 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 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 probably 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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple 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 – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

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

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another segment 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.