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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

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

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents 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 unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, 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 exclaiming: "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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

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

Background Information of Satirical Show

The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

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

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

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes 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 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 later 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 starts another segment by commenting: "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 could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.