Disney faces new lawsuit over Star wars. Moreover, this time it could be an incident that will forever shape the future of the industry. And Lucasfilm has been de-aging some of its actors with new computer graphics technology for years. But in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story They directly recreated the face of a translator who died decades ago.
We are talking about Peter Cushingwhich in the original film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope gave life to the evil governor Wilhuff Tarkin. This character was one of those responsible for the first Death Star, and it was he who ordered the destruction of the planet Alderaan, home Princess LeiaThe character died at the end of the film itself, when Luke Skywalker destroyed the legendary space station, but after Tarkin appeared in such animated series as Clone Wars, Rebels or Bad parcelas well as in comics and novels.
Her actor died in 1994. And yet, Tarkin returned to live action in 2016 with Rogue OneDisney used previously unseen techniques to place his face on top of another actor’s face. Guy Henry. Now, according to data Timesproducer Kevin Francispersonal friend pushing throughcondemned that this practice was illegal. And in life, the performer never gave permission for his appearance to be digitally copied. Star wars or in any other project.
Disney even tried Francis change course and withdraw the lawsuit filed in London’s High Court. But the producer and his company, Tyburn Film Productions, have held firm. In fact, they are suing not only Disney but also Lucasfilm, as the owner of the rights to the Star warsLunak Heavy Industries, which produced Rogue Oneand persons responsible for the agency and assets pushing through.
Early move
In 2016, when they produced the controversial film, Disney paid 33,000 euros to the estate pushing through for using his face. But it turns out that Francis retains a document signed by the actor in 1993 setting out new terms. It states that use of the image pushing through without permission FrancisThis contract was signed when they were filming a TV movie together. Legacy of Horror.
At this point, it is unknown how the case may develop. And this is a very recent area with many gaps and interpretations. In fact, Lucasfilm has already used it more than once in Star warsThis is a case of rejuvenation. Carrie Fisher also in Rogue One or from Mark Hamill V The Mandalorian. They even used it in other franchises like Indiana Joneswhere they were digitally rejuvenated Harrison Ford in the last film.
While special effects have already made it possible to bring dead actors back to life, the advent of artificial intelligence has made it even easier for studios. Without going into too much detail, the state of California has passed a law that requires artists to consent to AI using their likenesses after their death. The resolution of this case by Disney and Star wars This could mean a new paradigm in the whole issue.
Source: Hiper Textual
