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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

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

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.

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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months 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 marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – 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
• Revived 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 service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 subsequently says the secret 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 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.