Spitting Image studio sued after poking fun at Paddington Bear

For the millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character is the epitome of English politeness and understatement - so a new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host was always going to prove challenging.

- Michael Savage Media editor

But the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proved too much for the film studio and estate that own the character's rights.

StudioCanal, the producers of the successful Paddington movies, are joining up with Bond's estate to sue the British production company Avalon, which is behind Paddington's radical re-imagining.

A high court complaint, first reported by Deadline, cites copyright and design right concerns.