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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Production Company

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

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes 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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling 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 multiple media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, watched 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 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 section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.