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

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

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 produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, 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 Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings 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 fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation 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, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

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

The bear begins another section 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.