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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, 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 Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.

He then changes to a generic South American accent before shouting: "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 episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

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

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content.

In the first show, viewed more than half a million 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo also announce 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."

Company Statements

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for response.