Coogan and his production team settled a libel claim linked to their 2022 film “The Lost King.” The university worker who sued over his portrayal will receive substantial damages.
Settlement Details of the Libel Claim
The film, written by Coogan and starring him and Sally Hawkins, recounts the discovery of King Richard III’s remains in Leicester in 2012. Richard Taylor, a former university official depicted in the film, claimed the portrayal was that of an “arrogant villain.”
On Monday, the BBC reported that the case will not go to trial. Taylor alleged that the character based on him was dismissive and patronizing towards historian Philippa Langley, played by Hawkins.
Changes to the Film
As part of the settlement, “The Lost King” will now include a clarifying statement at the beginning. This statement notes that the character Richard Taylor is fictional and does not represent the real person.
In June, a judge indicated that the film’s portrayal could be considered defamatory, as it suggested Taylor misrepresented facts and behaved with arrogance.
Reactions to the Settlement
Richard Taylor expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating the film unfairly depicted him and distorted the search for Richard III. He emphasized his role in a collaborative search involving both academics and amateurs.
In response, Coogan, Baby Cow, and Pathé emphasized their commitment to accuracy and authenticity in storytelling, expressing pride in the film despite the settlement.
