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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this recent depiction as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

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

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the particulars 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, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

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 disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection 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 offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing 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 announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts 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 were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.