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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

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

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually 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 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 disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

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

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million 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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair 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 observing: "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 could not comment as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.