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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a characteristic 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 prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various 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 subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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

StudioCanal 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 response.