Steve Coogan Celebrates Pride in Richard III Film While Settling Libel Case with Significant Damages
Steve Coogan has expressed pride in his film “The Lost King,” which details the discovery of the remains of Richard III. This comes after Coogan, along with production companies Baby Cow and Pathe Productions, reached a settlement in a libel case involving Richard Taylor, who claimed he was misrepresented in the film.
Details of the Libel Case
Richard Taylor, formerly a deputy registrar at the University of Leicester, filed the lawsuit over how he was depicted in the film. The case centered around the portrayal of Taylor as “smug” and “unduly dismissive,” with a judge ruling that this portrayal was defamatory. The settlement was reached at the High Court, preventing the case from going to trial.
- Settlement Agreed: Coogan and the production companies agreed to pay substantial damages.
- Changes to Film: An on-screen clarification will state that Taylor’s depiction is fictional.
- Compensation: The defendants will cover Taylor’s legal costs.
Background of Richard III’s Discovery
The remains of Richard III, who ruled England from June 1483 until August 1485, were found in a Leicester car park in August 2012, over 500 years after his death. Philippa Langley led the search that ultimately uncovered the king’s skeleton and played a crucial role in the film’s narrative.
Philippa Langley’s Contributions
Coogan emphasized Langley’s significant role, stating she initiated the search and secured funding for the dig. He remarked that without her efforts, Richard III might still lie undiscovered beneath the car park.
Response and Reflection
Richard Taylor expressed feelings of frustration and helplessness upon the film’s release. However, he later viewed the settlement as a form of vindication. He stated, “This outcome represents success after a long battle.” He also reflected on his initial hesitation regarding Langley’s request for support from the university.
Following the court ruling, Coogan and the production team reiterated their pride in “The Lost King” while acknowledging the resolution of the matter with Taylor. The added clarification aims to rectify any potential misconceptions about the academic’s role, ensuring viewers recognize that the portrayal does not accurately reflect his actions during the discovery of Richard III’s remains.
