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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful 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 high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created 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 upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

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

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 begins another section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.