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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

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

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest 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 reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.

He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced 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 upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• 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 platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo also announce an commercial 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.