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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind 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, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then switches to a stereotypical 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 starring role 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 inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

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 various 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 targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version 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 first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo also present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another segment by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.