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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

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 begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes to a stereotypical 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered 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 marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins another section by observing: "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 legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for response.