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

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and estate that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

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

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was among 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 attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than half a million 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 later 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 segment 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 declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.