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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

The film producers, 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 legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices 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 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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by various media companies.

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

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another section by commenting: "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 were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.