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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, 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 intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company

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

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins 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 chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 later says the secret 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 section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

The film company declined 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.