Trial Begins Over Peter Cushing's Likeness in Rogue One

A High Court in London has ruled that Tyburn Film Productions can proceed with its lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm over the use of late actor Peter Cushing's likeness in the 2016 film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The lawsuit, filed by Kevin Francis, a close friend of Cushing, claims an agreement was made before Cushing's death that prohibited the reproduction of his likeness without consent. Disney, which used advanced CGI to digitally revive Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin, argues that they believed they were within their rights based on Cushing's original contract. The judge acknowledged that while the case may not guarantee success for Tyburn, it warrants a thorough factual examination. This legal battle highlights ongoing concerns regarding the ethics of using deceased actors' likenesses in film, particularly following other instances of digital resurrection in recent productions. The trial is set to take place at a later date, as Disney continues to face various legal challenges.