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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed creation epitomizes the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – making this new depiction as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

Nevertheless, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that control the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Studio

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

A legal filing, first reported by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the claim, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Details

The program is presented by a characteristic 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 prize-earning actor who portrays the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then changes to a generic South American accent before shouting: "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 end of the segment, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts created by multiple media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

In the first show, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages 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 key to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also present 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."

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 focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.