🔗 Share this article Courtroom Dispute Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Lawsuit Over Beloved Character Portrayal For millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's jam-obsessed character represents the quintessence of British courtesy and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging. However, the comedic reinterpretation of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the film studio and rights holders that own the intellectual property. Court Action Launched Against Studio StudioCanal, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's radical reimagining. A legal filing, initially covered by industry media, cites intellectual property and design right concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the specifics of the claim, but it comes after Paddington's inclusion in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t. The show features segments about Elon Musk, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes widespread podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals. Controversial Portrayal Particulars The program is presented by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington begins by declaring he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations. He then switches to a generic South American accent before exclaiming: "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 segment, a disorderly Paddington is seen snorting a white powder before apparently losing consciousness. Background Information of Satirical Show The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful collection of podcasts produced by various media companies. The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a rich history of upsetting its targets – typically politicians, rather than beloved children's characters. Initial run was among 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 Digital Transformation Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, created to attract viewers who scroll through recommended content. In the premiere episode, viewed more than half a million times, Paddington and Harry interview Musk, and Paddington urges the conservative 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 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 section by observing: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one." Official Responses StudioCanal declined to comment. A spokesperson for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the issue was the subject of legal proceedings. Avalon has been reached out to for comment.