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For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

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

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering 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 creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays 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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular stable of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted 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, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million 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 key 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 observing: "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 were unable to speak as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.