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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and understatement – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

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

Controversial Portrayal Details

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

He then changes to a generic 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 chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling 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 popular stable of podcasts produced 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 targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

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

The pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins 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

StudioCanal refused to comment. A spokesperson 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 response.