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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

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

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership 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.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is presented 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 prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then switches to a stereotypical 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 starring role 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.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered 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 fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 subsequently says the key 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 section 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.