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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.

He then changes to a generic 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 shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab 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 rich history of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• 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 platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also present an commercial 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 declined to comment. A representative 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 comment.