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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

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

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

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.

In the first show, 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 later says the key 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 begins 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 were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.