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

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the production company and estate that control the character's rights.

Court Action Initiated Against Production Company

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, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The legal document doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features sketches about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in latest movie versions.

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 major part 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 apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

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

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being cancelled again

Digital Transformation

Its latest version on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who browse suggested videos.

In the premiere episode, viewed 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 pair also present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear begins another section 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 spokesperson 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 response.