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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

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 proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.

He then changes 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 episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Background Information of Comedy Program

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

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges 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 present 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 reached out to for response.