What's happened
The producers of 'The Lost King' agreed to pay damages to Richard Taylor, a university academic, over libel claims related to his portrayal in the 2022 film. The case was settled with an on-screen clarification that the depiction is fictional. Taylor suffered distress from the portrayal, which was deemed overly inaccurate by a judge.
What's behind the headline?
The settlement underscores the tension between artistic license and factual accuracy in historical films. While Coogan insisted the film told Philippa Langley's true story, the libel case reveals the risks of misrepresentation, especially when portraying real individuals. The judge's ruling highlights the importance of avoiding defamatory depictions, even in fictionalized accounts. This case may influence future productions to include clearer disclaimers or more careful portrayals of real people. The broader context involves ongoing debates about Richard III's reputation and the role of media in shaping historical narratives. The settlement also reflects a growing awareness among filmmakers of legal liabilities when depicting real persons, potentially leading to more cautious storytelling in the future.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the film's producers agreed to pay 'substantial damages' and added a disclaimer clarifying the fictional nature of the portrayal. AP News echoes this, emphasizing the settlement and the film's depiction of Taylor as overly dismissive. Both sources note Taylor's relief at the resolution, with Coogan defending the film as a true story. Meanwhile, The Guardian provides a broader historical context, discussing Richard III's vilification and recent re-evaluation by historians, highlighting the ongoing cultural debate surrounding his legacy and the film's role in shaping it.
How we got here
The film 'The Lost King' depicts Philippa Langley's quest to find King Richard III's remains, highlighting her role in the discovery in 2012. Richard Taylor, a university deputy registrar, was portrayed as dismissive and patronizing, which he contested as libel. The case emerged amid broader debates about historical accuracy and representation in media, especially concerning Richard III's vilification and subsequent re-evaluation by historians.
Go deeper
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Stephen John Coogan is an English actor, comedian, producer and screenwriter. He began his career in the 1980s as a voice actor on the satirical puppet show Spitting Image and providing voice-overs for television advertisements.
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Philippa Jayne Langley MBE is a British writer who is best known for her contribution to the exhumation of Richard III in 2012.