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Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – rendering this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Studio

StudioCanal, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

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

The show features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

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 really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest movie versions.

He then switches to a stereotypical 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 starring role 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 seemingly losing consciousness.

Background Information of Satirical Show

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

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing billionaire to go to Mars. "You are too much 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 pair also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another segment 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 representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.