🔗 Share this article Legal Battle Erupts as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Beloved Character Portrayal Among countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving creation epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – making this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host especially controversial. Nevertheless, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proven excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property. Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company StudioCanal, 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 design right issues. The legal document omits the particulars of the allegations, but it comes after Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. This production features sketches about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss achieving success. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The program is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who voices the character in latest 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 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 seen snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness. Background Information of Comedy Program The court action come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies. The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters. Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures waned Revived in 2020 for streaming service BritBox Lasted two series before being discontinued once more Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges 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 secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine." The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you." The bear begins another segment 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 legal proceedings. Avalon has been reached out to for response.