Star Wars: Disney Sues Over Rogue One Image

Star Wars: Disney Sues Over Rogue One Image



Disney in turmoil with Scoundrel One

After Disney acquired LucasFilm in 2012, the studio relaunched the saga Star Wars at the cinema with several films. A new trilogy, started with The Force Awakens (2015), as well as spin-offs. The first, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)It still remains the best film for some today Star Wars under Disney. Directed by Felicity Jones and Diego Luna, the feature film, set between the events of episodes III and IV of the saga, was a great success for the studio, bringing back over 1 billion dollars in revenue worldwide. A success that motivated the producers to then develop the series Andor (2022), whose story precedes that of Gareth Edwards’ film.

We thought there were only positive things to learn from. Scoundrel One. However, eight years after the film’s release, Disney may find itself in a difficult position. In fact, the American studio has just been sued from a manufacturer, due to the use of the image of Actor Peter Cushing in the feature film, announces Telegraph.

Peter Cushing’s image is problematic

Died on August 11, 1994 at the age of 81, the famous actor had performed Wilhuff Tarkin In Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). An emblematic character of the saga, even if little present. He was still represented in the animation of the series Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2011) and Star Wars Rebels (2014), before appearing in Rogue One. The actor’s face had been digitally added to that of another actor. This type of Digital “resurrection” of a dead actor had already been discussed. This goes further with this experiment that Kevin Francis, producer and friend of Peter Cushing, would like to conduct through the company Tyburn Film Productions.

    Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope ©Lucasfilm
Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope ©LucasFilm

According to him, Peter Cushing would have signed a contract with the company in the 90s so that his image is not reused without his permission. The actor would have thus granted the company his right of veto. However, Disney did not ask Tyburn Film Productions for permission to reproduce Peter Cushing’s face Scoundrel OneAt the time the studio had paid only approximately 33,000 euros to the actor’s heirs. Kevin Francis then decided to attack Disney, as well as LucasFilm and Lunak Heavy Industries, who produced the feature film.

Tom Mitcheson KC, deputy High Court judge, announced on Monday that the case will go to trial, despite Disney’s request to drop the case. The judge said a “full factual investigation” would be needed, although he was “far from satisfied” that Tyburn Film Productions would succeed in its case.

Source: Cine Serie

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