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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.

He then switches to a stereotypical 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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

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

• Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

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 scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 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 begins 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

The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.