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Among millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

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

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are joining forces with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A legal filing, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, 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 switches to a generic 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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched 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 marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of offending its subjects – typically politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Original series was among the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its latest version on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.

In the premiere episode, watched more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with 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 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."

Company Statements

The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.