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

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring 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 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

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

• Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for response.