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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that control the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning 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 most likely 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 conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 secret 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 begins 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

StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative 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.