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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, 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 intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

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

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest 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 conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

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

Platform Adaptation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also present 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 could not comment as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.