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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this recent depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

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

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The legal document omits the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming 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 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 subsequently 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 starts another section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.