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Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

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

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then switches to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "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 conclusion of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular collection of podcasts produced by various 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 – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview 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 later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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."

Company Statements

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.