Peter Cushing’s Star Wars resurrection at centre of legal battle
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The makers of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are being sued by a friend of Cushing, who claims that the actor gave him control of his image rights before he died

Peter Cushing’s resurrection 22 years after his death for the spin-off film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is at the centre of a legal battle over control of his image.

Special effects were used to digitally recreate Cushing’s character, Grand Moff Tarkin, from the original Star Wars film.

The makers of Rogue One are being sued by a film producer who was one of Cushing’s oldest friends. Kevin Francis claims the actor agreed not to grant permission for anyone to reproduce his appearance through special effects without his authorisation.

The Disney group, which made Rogue One, failed on Monday to have Francis’s claim for “unjust enrichment” dismissed at the High Court in London. Cushing died of cancer in 1994 at the age of 81. Special effects were used to recreate his appearance with the British actor, Guy Henry, 63, performing as his body double.

Francis’ company, Tyburn Film Productions, is suing the Disney subsidiary Lucasfilm, which owns the rights to Star Wars, and Lunak Heavy Industries (UK), the producer of Rogue One. He also brought claims against the executors of Cushing’s estate, who have both died, and Associated International Management, the agency that represented Cushing until his death.

Cant to see the future corporate wars over who owns the rights to Keanu Reeves likeness

  • UlyssesT [he/him]
    ·
    8 days ago

    "People don't want to see an imitation of someone who was a strong presence in real life," said Lucas.

    I wish that were more true, but too many treat hogs want more vaguely-flavored reference slop no matter how diluted, dishonest to the source's wishes and intent, and demeaning.