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Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

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

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

StudioCanal, responsible for the hit 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, first reported by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The court filing omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes to a generic 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 major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

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

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived 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 service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 later 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 section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

The film company declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.