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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

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

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

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 radical reimagining.

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

The show includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays 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 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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 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."

Official Responses

The film company declined 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 contacted for response.