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Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this recent depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

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

A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

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

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

He then changes to a stereotypical 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 disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple 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 among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 subsequently says the key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The duo 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."

Official Responses

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative 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.