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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own 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, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics 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 segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent 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 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 chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

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

The show's launch 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 among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 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

The film company declined to comment. A representative 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 comment.