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For millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the very essence of English politeness and understatement – making this recent portrayal as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be too much for the film studio and estate that own 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, first reported by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right issues. The court filing omits the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube show, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also parodies ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is presented by a characteristic 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 prize-earning 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 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 end of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness.

Historical Context of Comedy Program

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

The show's launch on YouTube in July marked a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved 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 cancelled again

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to appeal to viewers who scroll through recommended content.

In the premiere episode, watched more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 duo also present an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another section 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 declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the matter was the subject of court action.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.