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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

StudioCanal, 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, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, 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, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest 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 most likely 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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

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

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial 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

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 legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.