Steve Coogan faces hefty damages payout over Richard III movie dispute

UK actor Steve Coogan, alongside two production companies, is facing substantial damages after settling a High Court libel dispute with academic Richard Taylor. This case arose from Coogan’s portrayal of Taylor in the film “The Lost King,” which recounts writer Philippa Langley’s quest to unearth the remains of King Richard III.

Key Details of the Dispute

Richard Taylor, who is currently the chief operating officer at Loughborough University, took legal action against Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathe Productions. The film, released in 2022, dramatizes the discovery of Richard III’s skeleton, which was found in a Leicester car park in 2012, over 500 years after his death.

Judgment and Settlement Terms

In June 2024, Judge Jaron Lewis ruled that the film misrepresented Taylor, portraying him as someone who “knowingly misrepresented facts to the media and the public.” The judge noted that this depiction characterized Taylor as “smug, unduly dismissive, and patronising,” which held a defamatory significance.

The case was expected to go to trial, but the parties reached a settlement, as announced in a court hearing. William Bennett KC, representing Taylor, stated that the film’s portrayal caused him serious harm and distress.

Changes to the Film

• Coogan and the production companies have agreed to pay Taylor substantial damages.
• They will make edits to the film to retract the contentious portrayal.
• Legal costs incurred by Taylor will also be covered as part of the settlement.

Justice Collins Rice commented on the unsettling experience of being portrayed in a historical film, expressing hope that the settlement would allow Taylor to move forward positively.

In the aftermath, Taylor characterized the outcome as a “success and vindication” following a prolonged struggle. He expressed feelings of frustration and helplessness when the film first aired.

Daniel Jennings, a defamation expert representing Taylor, described the case as a “defamation David and Goliath moment.” He emphasized that this settlement serves as proof that individuals can seek justice against powerful entities.

The Impact of the Case

While the case ended in settlement, it raises significant questions about the portrayal of real-life individuals in films. Taylor emphasized the importance of collaboration in discovering Richard III’s remains and the broader implications of the film’s misrepresentation.

Ultimately, Taylor believes that the discovery was a collective accomplishment involving multiple universities and dedicated volunteers.