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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent 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 estate that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, 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, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt 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 recent 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 major part 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 inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable 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 targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted 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 key 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 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 issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.