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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then switches 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 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 inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab 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 – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

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

The pair 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 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 refused to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.