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

However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and estate that own the intellectual property.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production includes sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The program is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in recent 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 probably 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 conclusion of the segment, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently passing out.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The court action come several weeks after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

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

In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington encourages the conservative 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 later 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."

Official Responses

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 court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.