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Among countless fans who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation represents the quintessence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a substance-using, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly controversial.

Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the character's rights.

Court Action Launched Against Production Company

The film producers, responsible for the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against UK-based production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining.

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

This production features sketches about tech billionaires, former presidents and political figures. It also parodies widespread podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Disputed Characterization Particulars

The show is hosted by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by proclaiming he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in recent movie adaptations.

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 episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Comedy Program

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a poke at the popular collection of podcasts created by various media companies.

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

• Initial run was one of the popular programmes in the 1980s
• Ended only in 1996 after viewing figures waned
• Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to 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 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 present an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another section by observing: "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 were unable to speak as the matter was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.