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

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Launched Against Studio

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites copyright and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss 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 first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who portrays 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 probably 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 seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

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

The show's debut on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 key 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 spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been reached out to for response.