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Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially controversial.

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

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then changes to a stereotypical 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 end of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts created by multiple 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 subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

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 premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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 observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.