A film producer has filed a lawsuit against Disney for their use of Peter Cushing’s likeness in a Star Wars film, more than two decades after the actor’s passing. The issue arose in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, where Cushing’s character, Grand Moff Tarkin, was digitally recreated for the film. The producer, Rene Fontaine, claims that Disney did not seek permission from Cushing’s estate to use his likeness, which he argues is a violation of the actor’s rights.
Cushing, who passed away in 1994, was a well-known and respected actor, particularly for his iconic roles in horror films such as Dracula and Frankenstein. Fontaine argues that the use of Cushing’s likeness in Rogue One amounted to a misappropriation of his persona for commercial gain. He is seeking damages from Disney for their unauthorized use of the actor’s image.
This is not the first time that the issue of digitally recreating deceased actors has come up in the film industry. In recent years, there have been debates over the ethics of using technology to bring back deceased actors for new projects. While some argue that it is a way to honor and preserve the legacy of these actors, others believe that it raises important questions about consent and the rights of deceased individuals.
Disney has not yet publicly responded to Fontaine’s lawsuit. The outcome of this case could have implications for how the film industry handles the use of deceased actors’ likenesses in future projects. Fontaine’s lawsuit serves as a reminder of the complexities and legal considerations that come with using technology to recreate actors who are no longer with us.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
