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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the very essence of British courtesy and understatement – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and design right issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about Elon Musk, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts talk about reaching goals.

Disputed Characterization Details

The show is hosted by a typical 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 recent movie adaptations.

He then changes 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 conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is shown inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Historical Context of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the successful collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

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

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Rebooted in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Lasted 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, created to attract viewers who scroll through suggested videos.

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

The pair 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

The film company declined to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for response.