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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

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 intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent 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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful 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 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
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 subsequently says the key 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 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

StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.