Film producer René Barbour has filed a lawsuit against Disney for their use of actor Peter Cushing’s likeness in the film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Cushing, who passed away in 1994, was digitally recreated using CGI technology for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the 2016 film.
Barbour claims that Disney did not seek permission from Cushing’s estate to use his likeness in the film, and that the portrayal of the actor in this manner is a violation of his publicity rights. The lawsuit alleges that Disney’s actions have caused harm to Cushing’s reputation and that they have profited from the unauthorized use of his likeness.
The use of CGI to bring deceased actors back to life in films has become a controversial topic in recent years, with many questioning the ethics of using someone’s likeness posthumously without their consent. This lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for how the industry handles the use of digital recreations of deceased actors in future films.
Disney has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the case is sure to spark a larger conversation about the rights of actors and their estates when it comes to the use of their likenesses in films. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how the industry navigates the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of CGI to bring deceased actors back to the big screen.
Barbour is seeking damages from Disney for their unauthorized use of Cushing’s likeness and is hoping that this lawsuit will shed light on the importance of respecting the rights of actors and their families, even after they have passed away.
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