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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

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

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is presented by a characteristic 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 voices the character in recent 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 most likely 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 snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

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

• Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 duo 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 commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

The film company refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.