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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and estate that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show 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 actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie versions.

He then switches to a generic 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 segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection 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 long tradition of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Initial run was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed 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 subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo also present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts 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

The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.