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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

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

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, 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, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is presented by a typical 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 portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then changes 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 shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

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

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

• Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 subsequently says the secret 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 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 were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.