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For countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

StudioCanal, responsible for the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A legal filing, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail 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.

This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

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

At the conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting 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 marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

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

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 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 subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial 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 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 contacted for comment.