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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly 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 estate that own the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

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

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

This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices 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 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts created by various media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled 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 ratings waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.

In the premiere episode, watched 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 announce 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."

Official Responses

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

Avalon has been reached out to for response.