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

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 control the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a typical 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 award-winning 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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular 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 upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.