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

Nevertheless, 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 own the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

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

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.

He then changes 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 starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

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

Historical Context of Satirical Show

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

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

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million 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 secret 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 commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

StudioCanal declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.