Steve Coogan is being sued over claims he portrayed university academic as a ‘sexist bully’ in film The Lost King
ACTOR Steve Coogan is being sued over claims he portrayed a university academic as a “sexist bully” in a film.
Coogan, 57, co-wrote and starred in 2022’s The Lost King, about the quest to uncover the remains of Richard III a decade earlier.
Now a member of the Leicester University team that located his final resting place beneath a car park in the city is suing the star for defamation.
Richard Taylor said: “I’m portrayed as a bullying, cynical, double-crossing, devious manipulator which is bad.
“But when you add I behave in a sexist way and a way that seems to mock Richard III’s disabilities, you get into the realm of defamation.”
Mr Taylor said he tried to get changes but producers refused.
The University of Leicester said: “We understand the portrayal of Richard Taylor does not resemble the reality during this period.”
Mr Taylor is also suing Pathe Productions and Baby Cow Productions for High Court damages.
The film-makers say they stand by the movie which also stars Sally Hawkins as Philippa Langley — whose quest to find the remains prompted the discovery.
Coogan plays Langley’s husband.
The Sun contacted representatives for Mr Coogan, Pathe Productions and Baby Cow.