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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

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

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

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 proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.

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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings 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 debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing 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 later says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial 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

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.