Disney and Lucasfilm are facing a legal battle over the digital recreation of Peter Cushing’s likeness as Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The lawsuit, filed by London-based Tyburn Film Productions, alleges that the use of Cushing’s image violated a contract made with the actor before his death in 1994.
Cushing, who originally portrayed the Imperial villain in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, was digitally resurrected for the 2016 prequel using CGI and actor Guy Henry as a body double.
The lawsuit claims that Cushing had signed an agreement in 1993 prohibiting the reproduction of his appearance through special effects without prior authorization.
Disney and Lucasfilm argue that they did not believe permission was required due to the terms of Cushing’s original Star Wars contract. The companies previously paid Cushing’s estate approximately $37,000 for the use of his likeness in Rogue One.
According to The Times, a High Court judge in London recently rejected Disney’s attempt to have the case dismissed, ruling that it should proceed to trial.
Deputy High Court Judge Tom Mitcheson stated that while he was not convinced Tyburn would win the case, it was not “unarguable” and required a full investigation.
Cushing’s digital resurrection in Rogue One was a controversial yet impressive feat of visual effects. The film used actor Guy Henry as a body double, with Cushing’s face digitally mapped onto his performance.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is currently streaming on Disney+.
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