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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal 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 production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss 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 declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then switches 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

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

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple 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 treasured children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings 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 tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 secret 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 begins 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

The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.