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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and estate that own the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt 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 adaptations.

He then changes 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

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 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 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 matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.